quarterly journal of oregon field ornithology j...graphic design & production barbar gleason,...

Vol. 25, No. 4, Winter 1999

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quarterly journal of Oregon field ornithology j

fc/fow Warbler, Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, June 1999 Photo © /595> Dan Gleason

Records of the Oregon Birds Record Committee, 1998-1999 91 Harry Nehls

Oceanic Cruises Off the Coast of Oregon 94 Dan Johnson

Profile: Vjera Arnold 95 Terrie Murray

A Specimen Record of Wedge-tailed Shearwater {Puffinus pacificus) for Oregon 96 David A . Leal

Finding the Oasis 97 Dave Irons

An Observation of a Cavity-nesting Junco 99 Mark Nikas

Field Notes: Eastern Oregon, Spring 1999 101 Paul 77 Sullivan

Field Notes: Western Oregon, Spring 1999 107 Gerald Lillie

OFO Birding Weekends 2000

Inside Back Cover

Oregon Field Ornithologists Box 10373, Eugene OR 97440

OFO Website: www.oregonbirds.org

Officers and Board of Directors President Ray Korpi, Portland (2000), 503-289-1676, [email protected] Secretary Mary Anne Sohlstrom, Salem (2000), [email protected] Treasurer Reid Freeman, Eugene (2000), 541-343-7488, [email protected] Directors Vjera Arnold, Springfield (2000), [email protected]

Tom Winters, John Day (2000), [email protected] Steve Dowlan, Mehama (2001), [email protected] Dennis Vroman, Grants Pass (2001), [email protected]

Publications Archivist

OFO Bookcase OFO Birding Weekends

OBRC Secretary

Committees of Oregon Field Ornithologists Ray Korpi, [email protected] Paul T. Sullivan, [email protected] Lucy Biggs, [email protected] Paul T. Sullivan, 4470 SW Murray Blvd #26, Beaverton OR 97005,503-646-7889 [email protected] Oregon Bird Records Committee Harry B. Nehls, 2736 SE 20th Ave. Portland, OR 9~202. (503) 233-3976 [email protected]

Oregon Birds Editor Matt Hunter, 232 NE Azalea Dr., Corvallis OR 97384, 541-745-5199, [email protected]

Section Editors ID and Taxonomy Steve Dowlan, P.O. Box 267, Mehama, OR 97304, 503-859-3691, [email protected]

Regional Ornithology & Site Guides Greg Gillson, 3060 SW 153rd Dr., Beaverton, OR 97006. (h) 503-641-7611, (w) 503-627-5863, [email protected]

Birding Skills Dave Irons, 65 W-l Division Ave #242, Eugene, OR 97404, 541-607-2751, [email protected] Birding and Birders Terrie Murray, 4620 SE Flavel Drive, Portland, 97206, (evenings) 503-775-3579,

(days) 503-412-3106, [email protected] Conservation Gary Ivey, P.O. Box 6953, Bend, OR 97708, 541-389-4274, [email protected]

Field Notes Ray Korpi, 9112 North Tyler, Portland OR 97203, (503) 289-1676, [email protected] Focus on Species VACANT

Media Reviews VACANT Short Notes VACANT

Graphic Design & Production Barbara Gleason, 3125 Onyx Street, Eugene OR 97405, phone/fax (541) 345-0450, [email protected]

The Records of the Oregon Bird Records Commmittee, 1998-1999 Harry Nehls, Secretary, Oregon Bird Records Committee, 2736S.E. 20th. Ave., Portland, Oregon 97202

Iromjuly 1998 to July 1999 the Oregon Bird Records Committee (OBRC) completed the

following records. The first group of records are those for which the written report and/or photographs or specimens supported the stated identification and are accepted records. If photo(s) or specimen is indicated for a record it was accepted as verified. Other records were accepted as sight records.

Of the 57 records reviewed by the Committee 50 were accepted and 7 were not accepted. During this period six new species were accepted for addition to the Official Checklist of Oregon Birds: Shy Albatross, Streaked Shearwater, Dusky-capped Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Philadelphia Vireo, and Louisiana Waterthrush.

and museum number) and date(s), initial of the observer(s) submitting written or other evidence for accepted records, and the OBRC record file number. The OBRC record file number reads as follows: the first 3 digits

KING- EiDefc- ? S T W I k h Rufous crown & nape, pale around the eye "5 «»«"- --*-» and along edge of nape. _ • Cw*» * » " * 3 > - " T l '

Dark edge !o forward undenting.

"

Dark gray bill pale at tip

"T Coverts and scapulars are dark centered, edged rufous.

fe, •-{ Pate underwing.

Feathering at side of bili is pale and does not reach the nasal opening.

Gape is upturned.

Rufous brown breast. - ..

• - V * - , . . "• • -J -*

Primaries are dark and do not reach the base of the tail.

Ffanks have crescent-shaped darkbars..

..... . Legsaregray.

Rump and undertail coverts are rufous with short dark barring.

At the 17 April 1999 meeting the Northwestern Crow was removed from the Official Checklist. Many of the Tropical Kingbird reports received by the Committee do not completely rule out the Couch's Kingbird. In such cases the Committee would normally place the record in a "species unresolved"* file. At this meeting it was decided to continue accepting the reports as Tropical Kingbird with a notation that the record did not rule out Couch's.

Information presented below for each species includes location of sighting, number of birds, sex and age if known, special information (such as collection

King Eider, OBRC 162-99-09, 29April 1999, South Jetty, Coos Bay

are the AOU number for the species, the second 2 are the year in which the record was observed, and the last numbers are the consecutive numbers for the records as they are filed.

The members of the OBRC for 1999 are Tom Crabtree, Colin Dillingham, Jeff Gilligan, Jim Johnson, Gerard Lillie, Larry McQueen, Craig Roberts, Skip Russell, and Owen Schmidt. The alternates are Craig Miller, David Bailey, Steven Dowlan, Tim Janzen, Craig Corder, and Bill Tice.

The OBRC thanks the following organizations for having made financial contributions in the past year to help with expenses: Cape Arago Audubon Society, Central Oregon Audubon Society, Audubon Society of Corvallis, Grant County Bird Club, Grande Ronde Bird Club, Kalmiopsis Audubon Society, Lane

County Audubon Society, Audubon Society of Pordand, Salem Audubon Society, Umpqua Valley Audubon, and Yaquina Birders and Naturalists.

The OBRC solicits nominations for membership. Each year the OBRC elects 3 of its 9 members for 3-year terms (technically, the OBRC elects nominees for appointment by the OFO Board). Birders themselves interested in serving on the OBRC should nominate themselves. All nominees must be members of OFO in good standing and all nominations must be received by the Secretary before 30 Octobet of each

year. New terms begin at the new calendar year.

RECORDS ACCEPTED Shy Albatross 82.3-96-01 Heceta Bank, Lincoln Co., 1 subadult on 5 October 1996 (photos byTS, SR).

Short-tailed Albatross 082-96-05 44nm west of Cape Falcon, Clatsop Co., 1 adult on 9 November 1996 (MiF).

Murphy's Petrel 100.1-87-02 Horsfall Beach, Coos Co., 1 female alive on the beach 6 March 1987. Specimen number 103774, Los Angeles Natural History Museum.

100.1 -88-03 2 miles south of Cape Blanco, Curry Co., 1 female dead on the beach 27 March 1988. Specimen number 106131, Los Angeles Natural History Museum.

Illustration by Bob Pease

Oregon Birds 25(4): 91, Winter 1999

RECORDS OF T H E OREGON BIRD RECORDS COMMMITTEE 1998-1999

Streaked Shearwater 088.1-96-01 Heceta Bank, Lane Co., 1 bird on 13 September 1996 (MiF).

Wilson's Storm-Petrel 109-96-02 70nm west Nestucca Bay, TillamookCo., 1 biidon24July 1996 (MiF).

Tufted Duck 149.1-95-19 Cascade Locks, Hood River Co., 1 adult male on 17 April 1995 (DA).

King Eider 162-96-07 Yaquina Bay, Lincoln Co. 1 female 8 December 1996 to 15 February 1997 (KM, AF, MP, photos by SR, video by RBa).

Broad-winged Hawk 343-96-08 Fields, Harney Co., 1 bird on 5 May 1996 (M).

343-96-09 Brookings, Curry Co., 1 bird on 16 December 1996 (DMu).

Gyrfalcon 354-95-22 Fort Stevens St. Pk, Clatsop Co., 1 dark gray Philadelphia Vireo bird 13 December 1995 to 27 January 1996 (MP).

Xantus's/Craveri's Murrelet* 025/026-95-02 45 miles west of Newport, Lincoln Co., 2 birds on 7 October 1995 (GG,RKe,TJ).

Parakeet Auklet 017-96-12 Beverly Beach, Lincoln Co., 1 dead on beach 24 February 1996 (PaS,RLo).

Yellow-billed Cuckoo 387-95-15 Lake Abert, Lake Co., 1

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher 443-97-10 North Spit Coos Bay, Coos Co., 1 adult 4-5 November 1997 (DLa).

Blue-headed Vireo 629-80-01 Bayocean Peninsula, Tillamook Co., 1 bird on 4 October 1980 (HN).

Philadelphia Vireo 626-91-03 Fields, Harney Co., 1 bird on 3 June 1991 (photos by JG).

Virginia's Warbler 644-98-10 In Malheur Co. 10 miles NE of McDermitt, Nev., several territorial birds 18 June ro 4 July 1998 RHo,MD,CM,voice recording by StD and TJ).

Chestnut-sided Warbler 659-97-30 Fields, Harney Co., 1 adult male on 26 May 1997 (M).

659-97-31 Lakeview, Lake Co., 1 adult male on 2 June 1997 (FI).

Photo by JeffGilligan

659-97-32 Chitwood, Lincoln Co., 1 adult male on 7 June 1997 (DFa).

354-96-24 near Joseph, Wallowa Co., 1 gray phased adult on 25 November 1996 (photos byTJ).

354-96-35 Corvallis Airport, Benton Co., 1 brown immature bird on 20 January 1996 (RKo).

Bar-tailed Godwit 250-97-15 Bandon, Coos Co., 1 bird 25 August to 3 September 1997 (RHo,DLa, photos by AC,TJ).

Red-necked Stint 242.2-97-16 South Jetty Columbia River, Clatsop Co., 1 breeding plum-aged adult on 19 July 1997 (MP).

Black-headed Gull 055.1-96-06 Grass Valley, Sherman Co., 1 adult on 19 October 1996 (LR).

Least Tern 074-97-05 South Jetty Siuslaw River, Lane Co., 1 adult on 8 June 1997 (DScPSh, photo by BS).

bird on 25 and 29 June 1995 (TSe).

Costa's Hummingbird 430-96-26 Klamath Falls, Klamath Co., 1 male 11-20 May 1996 (KS).

Eastern Phoebe 456-96-05 Independence Sewage Ponds, Polk Co., 1 bird 19-20 February 1996 (StD).

Dusky-capped Flycatcher 455-96-01 Newport, Lincoln Co., 1 bird 2-15 January 1996 (TC,AC,JJo,PDi,photos by TJ,voice recording by DBa,video by RBa).

Tropical Kingbird 446-97-20 Netarts, Tillamook Co., 2 birds on 26 October 1997 (CR). As no distinctive voice was heard this record did not eliminate Couch's Kingbird.

446-97-23 near Bandon, Coos Co., 1 bird on 6 December 1997 (DLa,RHo). The distinctive voice of a Tropical Kingbird was well described.

Magnolia Warbler 657-96-24 Fields, Harney Co., 1 male on 5 June 1996 (M).

Louisiana Waterthrush 676- 98-01 Silver Falls St. Pk., Marion Co., 1 bird 26-29 November 1998 (CiL,JLa,PSu,videos byTJ).

Kentucky Warbler 677- 96-03 Dead Cow Ck. Fremont NF, Lake Co., 1 singing male 23 June to 20 Julv 1996 (photos by PBr,DaS,HN).

Canada Warbler 686-96-04 Mt . Tabor-Portland, Multnomah Co., 1 singing male on 24 June 1996 (GL).

Rose-breasted Grosbeak 595-96-30 Toketee RS, Douglas Co., 1 bird on 28 May 1996 (photo by MGr).

595-96-31 Gold Beach, Curry Co., 1 bird 7-8 July 1996 (CDphoto by AnM).


RECORDS OF T H E OREGON BIRD RECORDS COMMMITTEE 1998-1999

Blue Grosbeak 597-97-03 Near Brogan, Malheur Co., pair of adults with 2 juveniles 9-12 July 1997 (CFZ, photos by TW, video byTJ).

Black-chinned Sparrow 565-96-03 Stukel Mountain, Klamath Co., 1 singing male 22-23 June 1996 (KS,PSu).

Chestnut-collared Longspur 538-98-07 South Jetty of the Columbia River, Clatsop Co., 1 bird 10-25 October 1998 (MP.video byTJ).

Common Grackle 511-96-20 Toketee Ranger Station, Douglas Co., 1 adult male 31 July to 18 August 1996 (video by KG,photos by RM).

511 -96-21 Near Tumalo, Deschutes Co., 1 bird 7-8 December 1996 (JM, photos by SR)

511-97-22 Fields, Harney Co., 1 male on 28 May 1997 (TJ,M).

Orchard Oriole 506- 97-07 Brookings, Curry Co., 1 first spring male on 7 April 1997 (CD).

Baltimore Oriole 507- 86-02 Fern Ridge Reservior, Lane Co., 1 singing male 27 May to 5 June 1986 (SH).

507-94-04 Hq. Malheur NWR, Harney Co., 1 adult male on 27 May 1984 (photos by PO).

507-85-05 Benson Pond, Harney Co., 1 adult male on 26 May 1985 QE).

ACCEPTED SELECT SUBSPECIES Red Fox Sparrow 585-97-02 Sutherlin, Douglas Co. 1 bird 30 March to 11 April 1997 (prints byKWi).

RECONSIDERATION Northern Parula 648-93-22 Bayocean Peninsula, Tillamook Co., 1 bird on 24 July 1993 (GG). This report was first not accepted because of plumage characteristics in the description not regularly noted in

the species. With new evidence submitted that cleared up these irregularities the record is now accepted.

CONTRIBUTORS David Anderson (DA) David Bailey (DBa) Robert Barnes (RBa) Peter Bridge** (PBr) Alan Contreras (AC) Tom Crabtree (TC) Mike Denny (MD) Patricia Dickey** (PDi) Colin Dillingham (CD) Steven Dowlan (StD) Joe Evanich (JE) Darrel Faxon (DF) Anthony Floyd (AF) Michael Force** (MiF) Jeff Gilligan (JG) Greg Gillson (GG) Keith Graves (KG) Mary Graves (MGr) Steve Heinl (SH) Richard Hoyer (RHo) Frank Isaacs** (FI) Tim Janzen (TJ) Jim Johnson (JJo) Robert Kelsh** (RKe) Ray Korpi RKo) David Lauten** (DLa) Cindy Lawes (CiL) John Lawes (JLa) Geerard Lillie (GL) Roy Lowe (RLo) Ron Maertz (RM) Maitreya (M) Judy Meredith (JM) Kathy Merrifield (KM) Craig Miller (CM) Ann Mitchell** (AnM) Don Munson (DMu) Harry Nehls (HN) Paul Osburn (PO) Maitreya (M) Mike Patterson (MP) Lewis Rems** (LR) Craig Roberts (CR) Skip̂ Russell (SR) Don Schrouder** (DSc) Trent Seager** (TSe) Tim Shelmerdine (TS) Dan Sherman"* (DaS) Paul Sherrell (PSh) Patty Shreve** (PaS) Kevin Spencer** (KS) Bill Stotz (BS) Paul Sullivan (PSu) Katherine Wilson (KWi) Tom Winters (TW) C. Fred Zeillemaker (CFZ) ** New to the all time contributors list.

RECORDS NOT ACCEPTED Yellow-billed Loon 008-95-34 Coos Bay, Coos Co., 1 subadult bitd on 17 December 1995. Not accepted as description was too sketchy and did not rule out immature Common Loon.

Gyrfalcon 354-95-23 Finley NWR, Benton Co., 1 brown immature on 31 December 1995. Not accepted as desctiption was too sketchy and did not rule out similar appearing species.

Ross's Gull 061-95-04 Newport, Lincoln Co., 1 adult on 26 March 1995. Not accepted as the Committee felt there were too few details for such a rarity. The description was brief and did not fully rule out similar species.

Boreal Owl 371-96-06 Minam St. Pk., Union Co., 1 calling bird on 25 October 1996. Not accepted as description of calls did not rule out other bird species.

Bell's Vireo 633-95-04 Hq. Malheur NWR, Harney Co., 1 bird on 22 May 1995. Not accepted as description was very brief and did not tule out similar appearing species.

Virginia's Warbler 644-95-09 Hq. Malheur NWR, Harney Co., 1 bird on 22 May 1995. Not accepted as description did not note yellow undertail coverts, and did not tule out similar appearing species.

Hooded Oriole 505-95-16 Page Springs CG, Harney Co., 1 first spring male on 21 May 1995. Not accepted as description, although lengthy and thorough, did not rule out first spring male Bullock's or some other oriole species.

* Species unresolved means that the Committee believes that the evidence supports the identification of 2 or more closely related species, both or all of which are review species, but is not strong enough to identify the bird to a specific species.


Oceanic Cruises Off the Coast of Oregon Dan Johnson, Fairview Travel, 1918 NE 181st, Portland, OR 97230, tel 503 666-3893 or 800 334-5623, fax 503 661-7771, Email: [email protected]

In spring 1999 I arranged a cruise and associated flights for Jeff Gilligan, Owen Schmidt, and

Eric Pozzo. This cruise would take them from Vancouver, BC, to Los Angeles, California over the period 18-21 September 1999. They were off the entire Oregon coast in daylight, and off the central California coasr the following day in daylight. Jeff Gilligan's report to Oregon Birders On Line (OBOL) on 21 September 1999 (reproduced here with permission) included the following (slightly edited):

Sunday, Sep 19: 65 miles off of Sunset Beach, Clatsop Co., we had a nearby darkpterodromapetrel that looked fine for a MURPHY'S PETREL. It was in a stretch of water in which we were seeing flying fish (a surprise as well). We do not know the water temperature from that location. I am not aware of previous fall records near the west coast.

65 miles off of Sand Lake, Tillamook Co. we had a LAYSAN ALBATROSS. The water temperature in that area was 61.7 degrees.

Other Oregon sightings: Sabine's Gulls (85), Herring Gull (1 immature), Arc

tic Terns (18), Long-tailedJaegers (38), Parasitic Jaegers (9),Red-necked Phalaropes (many), Red Phalaropes (many), Leach's Storm-Petrels (23), Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels (3), Sooty Shearwaters (65), Northern Fulmars (4), Black-footed Albatross (3), Common Murre (1), Cassin's Auklets (8), Mourning Dove (1) 70 miles off of Yachats, Lane Co.

Our California birds included: Xantus's Murrelets (7), Common Murre (1), many of both phalaropes, Long-tailed Jaegers (40), Parasitic Jaegers (19), Pomarine Jaeger (1), So. Polar Skua (2), Arctic Terns (85), Sabine's Gulls(9), Black Storm-Petrels (4), Ashy Storm-Petrel (1), Butter's Shearwater (63), Sooty Shearwater (about a hundred), Black-footed Albatross (8), also a dark big bulky dark albatross that we were not sure of, Northern Fulmar (4), 3 Mourning Doves, a Palm Warbler around one of the hot tubs, two immature Bobolinks, a blackbird (either Rusty or Brewer's), and we heard about additional warblers that left the hot tub area early in the morning—while we on a lower deck. We were between 70 and 80 miles off of the California coast most of the time. Also whales (to be identi

fied), seals of some sort (I think elephant seals), California Sea Lions, a dragon fly, two moths, a housefly, and a bat.

I never thought I would be eating a bratwurst with sauerkraut, while looking through a scope, on a pelagic trip. The ship was nearly 1,000 feet long. The whole thing was fun.

Clearly, these cruises have potentialfor great pelagic birding especially forfolks who prefer the more stable platform for viewing than is found on typical pelagic trips. Trips at different times of year might produce an interesting variety of birds.

Following is a list of the scheduled coastal cruise packages I have put together for 2000.

These are all oceanic cruises passing by Oregon waters in the year 2000. All prices include roundtrip air from Portland, the cruise price and all taxes. Prices are possibly lower for group bookings. Barring a change in itinerary, all cruises should be off the Oregon and northern California coasts during daylight hours. Distances off shore vary depending somewhat on weather conditions.

CRUISELINE SHIP NAME: PLAN DEPARTURE DATE COST (KEY: IN - Inside cabin, OT-Outside cabin)

Norwegian Cruiselines -Wind: 6 days San Francisco to Vancouver May 2,2000 IN $963.00 OT $1063.00 Sky: 7 days Vancouver to Los Angeles Sept 24,2000 IN $1006.00 OT $1456.00 Princess Cruiselines Ocean: 3 days San Francisco to Vancouver May 10,2000 IN $687.00 OT $787.00 Sea: 3 days Los Angeles to Vancouver May 17, 2000 IN $687.00 OT $787.00 Dawn: 4 days Los Angeles to Vancouver May 18, 2000 IN $787.00 OT $887.00 Ocean: 3 days Vancouver to Los Angeles Sep 16,2000 IN $673.00 OT $773.00 Dawn: 3 days Vancouver to Los Angeles Sep 29,2000 IN $673.00 OT $773.00

Sun: 3 days Vancouver to Los Angeles Sep 30,2000 IN $673.00 OT $773.00

Editor's note: As a service to OFO members, I asked Dan to give us information on opportunities for the type of pelagic experience that Jeff, Owen, and Eric had. Please contact Dan or your local travel agent for more information. MGH


Profile: Vjera Arnold, Teen Birder and OFO Board Member Terrie Murray, 4620 SE Flavel Drive, Portland OR 97206, Email: [email protected]

Born October 5, 1981, Vjera has lived in the same house all her life. She is homeschooled

in the "self taught" style, which she describes as "getting to choose what I want to learn as long as it's okay with my mom. She has some stuff, like math, that she requires us to do, and other stuff is up to us. That has worked great for birding, I can spend hours pouring over a bird book or out in the field, and it's okay. Also, birding and homeschooling has created opportunities for me that I never would've had otherwise. I've gotten to go places, meet people, experience things that I never would have i f I'd been in school. Homeschooling has allowed me to be me - to learn how to express myself the way I want to, to learn what I like to do, to just enjoy learning and living."

Oregon Birds: How long have you been birding, and how did you start?

Vjera: " I started to like birds in '94 and '95. Probably the bitd that started everything was a Great Egret. We always exercised by a canal, and there was usually a Great Blue Heron in it. One day we went, and there was this big white Egret instead! I didn't know what it was, so I went to the Wild Bird store in town. The owner helped me figure out it was an Egret. After that bird, I never stopped birding. As I got more interested, my patents helped me: my dad and I made a bird feeder. After I made the feeder, I watched the birds that came, kept track of them for a homeschooling project, and had FUN figuring out the new ones (House Finch was the first hard one; I spent days trying to decide i f they could be Purple, House or Cassin's). Then my mom decided I should get

to try out a birdwalk, and she found out when it was, and went with me on the first one. Once she saw that birders were really nice people, she let me go on walks alone. After that we learned about Christmas Bird

:JP

1 m

ilk JJ[ -JL.

Counts, and she called and got me set up on the first one. Then when I learned that Malheur was the place to go, I looked for a ride and found one with Alan Contreras, and he made sure I was hopelessly hooked by the time I was home. That trip (September, 1996) was when I started thinking of myself as a birder. Since then I've gotten out mote, and loved it!

OB: What led you to run for an OFO Board position? What is your personal vision for OFO and the reason you're involved?

Vjera: Reid Freeman asked me if I would like to run for it. He thought I would be a great board member, and made sure I knew that. When I told my parents, they thought it would be a great educational experience (of course!), and the combination was enough incentive for me to run. At first, I was just on the board to "provide a teen viewpoint." As I got more involved, I realized I had a voice in providing more opportunities for othet young birders, too. Hopefully OFO will

be able to offer more support for bird clubs and other youth birders. If that means helping them get binoculars, or helping them connect with other birders (same age and older), or just letting them know they're not alone, I'll feel like I helped change something. The biggest problem is the lack of youth birders in Oregon. They're either hiding, or being very, very quiet!

OB: What have been some of yout most memorable birding experiences?

Vjera; On a family trip to SE Oregon, I saw my first Western Tanager and first Osprey at Lofton Reservoir. I'd been waiting to see my first Western Tanager for a while - it was the first spring migration I'd been birding, and I really wanted to see one. We camped at Lofton, and it wasn't too long until I discovered that our campsite had a Westetn Tanager nest above it! I was quite excited to finally see one, and to see it going and coming from a nest. Then, later that day, we went on a walk around the lake, and found an Osprey sitting on a snag above the lake. As we watched it, it fell (or so we thought) off the perch straight down into the water, coming out with a fish. We were totally shocked, thinking at first that it had had a heart attack, until it came out of the water with a fish. It was nothing like the TV shows where they show eagles gliding down to the watet and scooping out a fish. This made an impression on my non-birding family, and to this day they still talk about that Osprey. I've had many other memorable experiences since then, chasing birds, finding good birds, and just seeing cool birds, but that day stands out.

OB: You're active in the youth birding movement. Tell us about that.

Vjera: Wow, I didn't know there was a movement! I guess it could be called that. Well, I'm active on the Internet meeting and talking to other youth birders. This

Continued on page 114 Oregon Birds 25(4): 95, Winter 1999

A Specimen Record ofVffedge-tailed Shearwater {Puffinus pacificiis) for Oregon

David A. Leal, 9142 SE Morrison St., Portland, OR 97216, work(503) 231-6179, home(503) 262-7006

On 26 March 1999 a dark-plumaged shearwater was collected by Susan Spaulding (Turnstone Environmental Consultants) just north of Yaquina Bay, Lincoln County, Otegon, and was not identified to species. This bird was collected during beach surveys being conducted in tesponse to the grounding of the bow of the M/V New Carissa near Waldport, Oregon. I was an attendant in the wildlife morgue with Jason Kirshner, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and was identifying and processing collected bird carcasses and remains fot storage. Initially I thought the bird appealed "different," especially the large tail, and proceeded to key it out based on physical characteristics using Ainley et al. (1994), and descriptions in Harrison (1983) and Harrison (1997). I also referred to Stallcup (1990) upon te-turning to my office.

Small head, long wedge-shaped tail, and pale feet visible here (OBRC 96.1-99-01C). The bird had rolled around in the surf and the breast was scavenged, but actually was in satisfactory condition for identification purposes. The bird's plumage was entirely dark, perhaps appearing somewhat darker than in life because it was wet. The tail was large (150 mm), especially when fanned, and extended 40+ mm beyond the extended feet. Legs and feet were light pink to pinkish white (with light toenails on inspection of the

slides). The bill was all gray with a slighdy darker gray nail.

I am not aware of any similar species for which breast color would be important in identification; therefore, I think the scavenged breast should have no bearing on the identity of the bird. Sooty and Short-tailed Shearwaters were eliminated based on foot color and tail size. Therefore, the observed characteristics teduced the possibilities to Wedge-tailed and Flesh-footed Shearwaters. The primary physical characteristics differentiating these two species were the bill color (Harrison 1983, Harrison 1987, Stallcup 1990), toenail color (Stallcup 1990) and tail length (Stallcup 1990). Tail length was strongly emphasized by Stallcup (1990), but not Harrison (1983), as a key feature for separating Wedge-tailed from Flesh-footed Shearwater. The combination of large tail and gray bill led me to identify this bird as a Wedge-tailed Shearwater. Stallcup (1990) also anecdotally mentioned that white toenails may be unique to this species. The photo of the dark phase bird in Harrison (1987) matched the specimen very well.

I considered whether it was possible that the bill or foot colot could have changed since the death of the bird, possibly confusing the identification. The bird was found on 26 March, and probably washed up that morning, based on the frequency of beach surveys and the condition of the bird. It was tefrigerated until I fitst examined it the morning of 28 March, and was refrigerated until I took photos on 29 March. I did not notice any color changes from the time I first saw the specimen until I took the photos. While I would expect some subduing of color, as is normal for specimens, the legs and feet remained light pink, and I would therefore not expect the bill to turn completely gray.

A report on this bird has been submitted to the Otegon Bird Records Committee (record number 96.1-99-01). The specimen is currently considered as evidence

Pale feet and wedge-shaped tail apparent (OBRC 96.1-99-0IE). from the M/V New Carissa incident and is in a freezer along with the other birds collected. All specimens will be released eventually for furthet examination and preservation. I would like to thank Ted Buerger, Colin Dillingham and Jeff Dillon for their review of my identification and/ot review of drafts of this note.

Literature Cited Ainley, D.G., R.E. Jones, R. Stallcup, D.J. Long;, G.W. Page, L.T.Jones, L.E. Stenzel, R.L LeValley, and L.B. Spear. 1994. Beached marine birds and mammals of the North American west coast: a revised guide to their census and identification, with supplemental keys to beached sea tuttles and shatks. National Oceanic and Atmosphetic Administration.

Harrison, P. 1983. Seabirds: an identification guide. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, Massachusetts.

Hattison, P. 1997. Seabirds of the Wotld: A Photographic Guide. Princeton University Press, 317 pp.

Stallcup, R. 1990. Ocean Birds of the Nearshore Pacific. Point Reyes Bird Observatory, Stinson Beach, Calif. 214 pp. f V

Long slender bill, characteristic of a shearwater, S versus a fulmar or gadfly petrel. Bill dark, or grayish at the base, not pale as in Flesh-footed S Shearwater (OBRC96.1-99-0ID). §


Finding the Oasis

Dave Irons, PMB 242, 65 W-l Division Ave., Eugene, OR 97404, [email protected]

The rewards in birding often increase in direct proportion to quality of "oasis" you are

able to find. In the classic sense of the wotd, oasis evokes thoughts of fresh water pools surrounded by lush vegetation amidst a sea of desert sands. To most birds this truly is an oasis. For the purpose of this article a more liberal interpretation of the term wi l l be used.

David Fix (pers. comm.) spent several seasons working on the Diamond Lake Ranger District in eastern Douglas County. He set up a feeding station on the small lawn outside the bunkhouse at Toketee Ranger Station. Over time several interesting passetines including vagrants showed

and hid among nearby trees hoping the cranes would land on the small lawn...which they eventually did. Anyone who has ever visited this ranger station can appreciate that the lawn in front of the bunkhouse is a long way from typical Sandhill Crane habitat. Nocturnal fallouts can be

truly comical.

Virtually any small patch or island of habitat within an expansive 'desert' or 'sea' of mo-notypic habitat can serve as an oasis for certain groups of birds. For instance, a small gtassy open area in the middle of contiguous Douglas-fit forest is every bit as much an oasis for a migrant Savannah Sparrow or Western Meadowlark as Southeast Farallon Island (18 miles off coastal California) is an oasis to a passerine migrating over the Pacific Ocean. A small reservoir or pond of nearly any description in the arid high desert of southeastern Oregon is a welcome sight to a migrating grebe or wandering Parasitic Jaeger. Soras and Virginia Rails have been regularly found over the years in the small wet areas within the woodlot at Fields in southern Harney County. Migrating birds, particularly vagrants tend not to be very selective when it comes time to rest and feed. They will find the first patch of what appears to be their general class of habitat (open ground, forest, water) and fall out.

• S p i l l A high desert oasis - pond at Buena Vista, Malheur National Wildlife Photo ©1999 Dan Gleason

up there. Among the open country passerines that utilized this small grassy island were: Gray Flycatcher, Say's Phoebe, Western Kingbird, American Pipit, Lark Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow and Savannah Sparrow. The occurrences of Orchard Oriole and Harris's Sparrow at this location illustrate the 'true' vagrant possibilities of a relatively small site.

Without a doubt the most interesting Toketee event was the fallout of four Sandhill Cranes. During an evening of dense overcast, fog and drizzle, Fix heard Sandhill Cranes calling as they circled overhead, probably attracted by the bright lights. Figuring the birds were looking for an open area to land he went outside

I enjoyed similar experiences while working nights at Eastmoreland Golf Course in southeast Pordand in the late 70's and early 80s. The course had a lighted enclosed driving range. While picking up golf balls under the lights at night during migratory periods, I would regularly flush multiple Western Meadowlarks, Savannah and Whire-crowned Sparrows in a

single night. During over 15 years of birding on and around the golf course I never saw Western Meadowlark or a Savannah Sparrow during the light of day. White-crowned Sparrows were otherwise a very uncommon migrant. One of my coworkers at the golf course who also worked nights convincingly described what had to be either an American Bittern or an immature Black-crowned Night-Heron huddling in one of the narrow drainage ditches at the edge of the driving range.

As mentioned previously, most of us think of water and green vegetation when we imagine an oasis. The woodlot at Fields and Malheur Refuge Headquarters immediately come to mind. More recent discoveries of these sorts of oases include the parks


FINDING T H E OASIS

and small towns in Sherman County. Amidst open wheat fields that dominate the region, the streamside riparia and larger deciduous trees are an obvious magnet for migrating insectivorous passerines. The list of vagrants found in Sherman County has continued to grow over the last decade since Phil Pickering and others first recognized the potential of these parks in the late 80's. This was a kind of wakeup call for Oregon's birding masses who began to realize that eastern vagrants could be found at almost any site at which this type of oasis situation existed...not just in the Harney basin.

Peihaps the most unexplored oases in Oregon occur at higher elevations within the vast tracts of fir and pine forests of the Cascades and Coast Range. Its hard to conceive of an oasis in areas where annual rainfall can be measured in feet. But over the past 25 years Oregon birders have come to realize that indeed thete are oasis situations tucked within the sea of higher elevation coniferous forest. Small populations of breeding Northern Waterthrushes were found in the late 70's around Crescent Creek in northern Klamath County. Gray Catbirds and Veeries were discovered breeding in the riparia around Ochoco Ranger Station in Crook County and along the Grande Ronde River in Union County. While doing breeding bird surveys around Davis Lake in the Cascades Larry McQueen found several eastern vagrants as well as nesting American Redstarts. In recent years the exciting discoveries at Detroit Flats show the value of checking open areas within the forest.

Certainly thete remain dozens if not hundreds of yet-unexplored small islands of habitat like those described above. The rewards for making the effort to survey these sites might be

finding new nesting populations of some of the birds mentioned above or perhaps a new nesting species for the state. Many of these discoveries have been made as birders get off the beaten track participating in the statewide breeding bird atlas project.

The key to putting yourself in the position of making interesting discoveries is an open mind and critical examination of the habitat around you. Look beyond the obvious for smaller scale situations. Following are some additional suggestions for types of areas to explore that might not immediately come to mind as oases.

Spillways of large higher elevation reservoirs — At these sites there normally are some open grassy

slopes, riparia or deciduous woodlands that have been created. The grassy areas can be very good for migrant grassland species, especially sparrows. Rock Wrens have been found at several reservoirs on the west slope of the Cascades on the artificial rocky slopes that have been created around the dams.

Openings in the forest canopy—The clearing at the top of Mary's Peak in Benton County comes to mind with tepeated sightings of Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch, Townsend's Solitaire, Clark's Nutcracker, as well as other migrant grassland species.

Stream or lakeside riparia at high elevations — Indian Ford Cr. near Sisters has had several vagrants over the years. This area is probably no better habitat than surrounding areas. It just gets birded more regularly because it is right along Highway 20 and provides a convenient stop for the west-side birders looking for pine forest woodpeckets on the way to eastern Oregon. Over the years an amazing array of vagrants have been found around high-elevation lakes and streams in the Cascades including Black-throated Blue, Chestnut-sided,

Tennessee and Bay-breasted Warblers, Northern Waterthrush, American Redstart, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Indigo Bunting.

Dry south-facing slopes —These are often characterized by a broken woodland of oaks, madrone with poison oak/ceanothus understory. Farther north in the interior valleys of western Oregon this habitat is far reduced but is generally good for birds like Nashville Warbler and Lazuli Bunting which are otherwise hard to find. During migration you might find a Dusky Flycatcher or, better yet, an extralimital Blue-gray Gnatcatchet.

Local parks and woodlands — Don't underestimate the potential of some of these areas. In comparison to most areas of the country, the urban yards of Oregon possess a greater variety of mature trees and more significant un-derstoty and shrubbery. Yet even in Oregon the largest trees and open areas, and the limited streamside riparia are often found in city or county parks.

Finally, don't be discouraged if your first few visits fail to produce a shocking rarity. I f you consistently find a variety of species at an oasis site it is certainly worth repeated visits. Persistence will generally be rewarded. In the mid to late 80's I regularly birded Clatsop County. On virtually every visit I would make a short stop at 'The Cove' in Seaside. This site is at the very south end of the beach in Seaside at the north base of Tillamook Head. Amid the dominant spruce/ alder forest typical of the north coast there is a small, matshy alder thicket about a block ftom the ocean. I always found a variety of common migrants there in spring and fall and mixed flocks of chickadees, kinglets

Continued on page 114


An Observation of a Cavity-nesting Junco Mark Nikas, 28193 Oak View Ave., Eugene, Or 97402, email [email protected]

On 1 June 1999, while birding Santiam Pass, my son Kirk and I observed a

female Dark-eyed "Oregon" Junco {Junco hyemalis oreganus) repeatedly carrying latge beak-fulls of light-green moss into an old woodpecker hole. The cavity was in an old snag off the Hoodoo ski area road and about 12 feet above the snow surface. A male junco was in the immediate vicinity, but as is the norm it did not assist in carrying nest material. Due to record snowfall over the past winter there were still several feet of snow on the ground which was quite unusual for June. Three days later, 4 June 1999,1 visited the site and was met by an agitated pair of juncos. Due to the apparent stress to the pair I did not remain long and I did not see either enter the cavity. Instead they both noisily escorted me the 100 feet back to the road. On 24 June 1999 I again visited the site but saw no juncos near the cavity. There were still about two feet of snow on the ground and the cavity was now approximately 20 feet above the snow surface, which means the snow depth on 1 June 1999 was approximately 10 feet.

I had always thought juncos were strictly ground nesters so after observing this behavior I checked a few references, both old and new, for other

documentation of this behavior. I also posted my observation to OBOL (Oregon Birders On Line) and received several interesting responses.

Baicich and Harrison (1997, Guide to the Nests, Eggs, and Nestlings of

Snag and cavity into which a female Dark-eyed Junco carried material. Photo by Mark Nikas

North American Birds) stated that Dark-eyed Juncos nested "exceptionally in...tree cavities...to 8 feet, rarely higher" but gave no specific instances. Bent (1968, Life Histories of Notth American Cardinals, Grosbeaks, Buntings, Towhees, Finches,

Sparows, and Allies) stated, "nests in trees and deserted woodpecker holes have been recorded." Bent also mentioned green moss being used as nesting material. Bent recorded several other interesting sites: "in an old rusty

tin can" well out in an open field, as well as 2 othet can nesting reports in more traditional wooded habitat; a rafter inside a barn; in an empty box; and in crevices of rock ledges. Rich Hoyer observed a "nest in a cliff nook @ 15 ft above level ground, 9 mi NE of McDermitt, 18 June," Malheur County (OB 25:20). Herb Wisner (pers. comm.) photogtaphed a junco nest at Crater Lake which was placed behind a loose flap of bark about two feet above ground. In 1985, in the Chiricahua mountains of Arizona, Eric Horvath (pers. comm.) observed a Yellow-eyed Junco (Junco phaeonotus) nesting 50 feet up in a hole in a snag. Yellow-eyed Juncos are also considered mainly ground nesters.

I had originally speculated that the reason the juncos were nesting in the cavity on Santiam pass was due to the lack of suitable ground sites because of the lingering

snow pack. This still may be the case. However, I now know juncos have been reported using a wide variety of nest locations, including cavities, and these birds may have just been the rare exception.


Oregon Birds and Audubon FieldNotes*have synchronized reporting areas, periods, and deadlines. Field reports for eastern and western Oregon are due to the OB Regional Editor and AFN Regional Editor at the same time.

Season Months to Editor To OB Spring March—May 10 June 20 October Summer June—July 10 August 20 January Fall August—November 10 December 20 April Winter

v ^r 'V^

December—February 10 March 20 July

Wesier- O'eaor

Oregon Birds Regional Editors Western Oregon Jeff Gilligan 26 N.E. 32nd Avenue • Fall 503-231-0971 Portland, OR 97232

Western Oregon Gerard Lillie •Spring ' 503-257-9344

Western Oregon Bill Tice • Winter/Summer 503-787-3436

329 S.E. Gilham Portland, OR 97215

750 Wood Street Falls City, OR 97344

Eastern Oregon Paul T. Sullivan 4470 S.W. Murray Blvd. #26 • Fall/Spring 503-646-7889 Beaverton, OR 97005

Eastern Oregon Ray Korpi • Winter 503-289-1676

9112 N.Tyler Portland, OR 97203

Eastern Oregon Kevin Spencer P.O. Box 353 'Summer 916-6674644 Tulelake, CA 96134

Audubon Field Notes Regional Editor All of Oregon Bill Tweit P.O. Box 1271

206-754-7098 Olympia, WA 98507

Audubon Field Notes Sub-Regional Editors Western Oregon Harry Nehls 2736 S.E. 20th

233-3976 Portland, OR 97202

Rogue Valley Howard Sands 10655 Agate Road 826-5246 Eagle Point, OR 97524

* NOTE: The American Birding Association is changing the name of Audubon Field Notes to North American Birds effective with Volume 53.

Oregon Field Ornithologists members bird all over the tors whenever birding in or near the Oregon locations

state, and often find birds that are of interest to local birders. listed below. If you would like to add a local newsletter or OFO supports publication of local field notes and encourages OFO revise any of the information below, please contact the membets to contact local newsletter publishers or field notes edi- Editor, Oregon Birds, Box 10373, Eugene OR 97440.

A r e a Publication Publ isher Address Field Notes Ed i tor Phone Bend Eagle Eye Central Oregon

Audubon Society PO Box 565 Bend OR 97709

Craig Miller [email protected]

541-389-9115

Coos Bay The Tattler Cape Arago Audubon Audubon Society

PO Box 381 Bend OR 97459

Inactive 541-267-7208

Corvallis The Chat Audubon Society of Corvallis

PO Box 148 Corvallis OR 97339

Lorn Pitts [email protected]

541-753-6077

Eugene The Quail Lane County Audubon Society

Eugene The Quail Lane County Audubon Society

PO Box 5086 Eugene OR 97405

Allison Mickel 541-485-7112

Grants Pass

Hood River

The Siskin Siskiyou Audubon Society

Columbia Gorge Audubon

PO Box 2223 Grants Pass OR 97528 PO Box 512

Eleanor Pugh 541-866-2665

John Day

IS 1 —1_ C 11

The Upland Sandpiper Society Grant County Bird Club

Hood River OR 97031 PO Box 1 1 1 Canyon City OR 97820

Tom Winters 541-542-2006 (h) 541-575-2570 (w)

Klamath Falls The Grebe Klamath Basin Audubon Society

PO BOX 354 G Klamath Falls OR 97601

Kevin Spencer 916-667-4644 (h)

La Grande

Medford

The Rav-on

The Chat

Grande Ronde Bird Club

Rogue Valley Audubon

PO Box 29 La Grande OR 97850 PO Box 8597

Bill & Chris Dowdy

Ric Thowless

541-963-4768

541-535-3280

Portland

Port Orfbrd

Audubon Warbler

The Storm Petrel

Audubon Society of Portland Kalmiopsis Audubon

Medford OR 97504

5151 N W Cornell Road Portland OR 97210 PO Box 1265

Harry Nehls [email protected] Colin Dillingham

503-233-3976

541-247-4752 (h)

Roseburg Wing-Tips Society Umpqua Valley Audubon Society

Port Orford OR 97465 Box 381 Roseburg OR 97470

541-247-3644 (w)

H:t;t* Salem :>} The Kestrel Saiem Audubon Society 189 Liberty St. NE 209A Salem OR 97301

John Lundsten [email protected]

503-585-9442


F I E L D NOTES: Eastern Oregon Spring 1999 Paul T. Sullivan, 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26, Beaverton, OR 97005

The effects of La Nina lingered across Otegon this spring. Following a win

ter snow pack that was above normal, streams and reservoirs were generally full. Eastern Oregon's average temperatures ranged around normal in March, then 1-3 degrees below normal in April and May. Precipitation was only 50% of normal through the season for most of eastern Oregon, but around 70% for Wickiup Res. Only the north central region reached normal precipitation levels, and then only in May.

The cold tempetatures also American White Pelican caused a slower snow melt across eastern Oregon. I encountered snow on the road and a morning temperature of 26 degrees while atlasing on a ridge southeast of Long Cteek on May 16. Tim Janzen commented, "...many bird species, especially flycatchets such as Dusky and Gray Flycatchers arrived on territory much latet than is typical for them. They could not be found in late April or in the first several days of May when they ate generally present. Othet passerine species such as warblers also seemed to arrive late."

.•••>.-jr.-

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m

J 8

Eared Grebe 15, Lk. Abert, 22 Mat LAK (RG);1, Summer Lk., 23 Mar LAK (RG); 1, Redmond SP, 18 Apr DES (DH,HH,JM,DK)

Western Grebe 6, The Narrows, Malheur NWR, 14 May HAR (AR)

Clark's Grebe 1, Krumbo Rd., Malheur NWR, 14

Photo by Russell Greenberg May HAR (AR)

Notable sightings included three sight records which would be first or second state recotds and ate under review by the OBRC: a White Ibis reported at Summer Lake, a Cassin's Kingbitd and a Connecticut Watbler reported at Malheut NWR. A well-described Long-tailed Jaeger was seen in Klamath Falls. A Little Gull was reported from Mann Lk., east of Steens Mt. Notable sightings of warblers included Northern Parula at the Clyde Holliday State Park, plus Chestnut-sided, Magnolia, and Black-and-White at Malheur NWR, and a Blackpoll at Frenchglen.

Observations were received directly from only 11 observers. Reports from a total of 97 observers were gleaned from the Rav-on, newsletter of the Gt ande Ronde Bird Club, the Upland Sandpiper, newsletter of the Grant County Bird Club, a

few reports from Oregon Birders On Line (OBOL), and sightings reported to Portland Audubon's Rare Bird Alert (aka Harry Nehls).

Format, Abbreviations The format used for each sighting in this report is this: # individuals, location, date, County abbreviation, (initials of observers);

Abbreviations used in this report:

CG — campground m. ob. — many observers NF - National Forest NWR - National Wildlife Refuge RD — Ranger District SP — sewage ponds St.Pk. — state park WMA - Wildlife Management Atea All counties are designated by the first thtee lettets of the county name. Exception: HDR=Hood Rivet

Italics indicates unusual sightings, late dates, unusual locations, Latin subspecies.

ALL CAPS indicates a rare sighting

ALL CAPS plus italics indicate first state recotds and birds on the OBRC teview list.

Common Loon 15, Wickiup Res., 10 Apr DES (DH,HH,JM); 1, Wood River/Agency Lk., 16 Apr KLA (KS,FM,RE); 1, Pine Hollow Res., 8 May WAS (DL)

American White Pelican 3, W of Mt. Vernon, 17 Apr, is a significant record for Grant County (AF,JUH,CMO,CK,PSSJEW); 11, Hwy 205, Malheur NWR, 13-16 May HAR (AR); 13, Summer Lk. WMA, 19 May LAK (AR)

Double-crested Cormorant 4, Redmond SP, 18 Apr DES (DH,HH,JM,DK); 1, mouth of Sheep Cr., Hells Canyon, 8 May WAL (MD,MLD); 1, Long Creek SP, 31 May GRA (JAS)

American Bittern 1, Ladd Marsh, 11 May UNI (SF); 3, Summer Lk. WMA, 19 May LAK (AR); 1, Malheur Field Sta., 29 May HAR (PTS)

Great Egret 22, The Narrows, Malheur NWR, 14 May HAR (AR)

Snowy Egret 5, N of Wright's Ft., 31 May HAR (PTS)

Cattle Egret 1, near Matin, 4 May KLA (KS,FM)

Black-crowned Night-Heron 1, Catherine Cr., 8 May UNI (SF); 6, Summer Lk. WMA, 19 May LAK (AR)


EASTERN OREGON FIELD NOTES

White-faced Ibis 45, Township Rd, 18 Apr KLA (KS); numbers, Burns & Malheur NWR, 13-16 May FLAR (AR); 300, Hart Lk., Warner Valley, 31 May LAK (DT)

WHITE IBIS 4, Hwy 31, Summer Lk, 5 May LAK (BP) Flying birds sighted while driving along the lake; description submitted to OBRC. If accepted, this would be a first state record.

Turkey Vulture 1, LaPine, 6 Mar DES (MLF); 10, Sisters, 14 Mar DES (SS); 1, Indian Ford, 20 May DES (AR); 5, Frazier Park, 29 May WHE (JAS); 1, Dale, 30 May GRA (MD.MLD); 1, Austin, 30 May GRA (MD,MLD)

Greater White-fronted Goose 2000, Conley Lk , 10-14 Mar UNI (SFJW); l+,Mt. Vernon, 13MarGRA (TH); 350, Summer Lk, 23 Mar LAK (RG); 12, Merwin Res., 27 Mar CRO (RR); 13, Sunriver, 10 Apr DES (DH,HH,JM)

Snow Goose 1+, Mt. Vernon, 13 Mar GRA (TH); 20,000, Summer Lk., 23 Mar LAK (RG); 1, Merwin Res., 27 Mar CRO (RR); 1+, Bear Valley, 2 Apr GRA (TH); 25, Phillips Res., Apr BAK (MJH); several thousand, Burns, 25 Apr HAR (TJ,SR); 1, Hwy 205, 13 May HAR (AR)

Ross's Goose A flock of13,000at Miller Island WMA, 4 Apr KLA, included 2 blue-phase birds (KS,FM)

Canada Goose 1 Cackler, John Day, through the season GRA (fideTWm. ob.)

Trumpeter Swan 3, Conley Lk, 23 Mar UNI (DAB); 3, Crooked River, Paulina Hwy., 27 Mar CRO (RR); 1, Mt. Vernon, 21 Mar -17 Apr GRA (TH,AF,CKJUH,CMO, PSSJEW); 1, Silvies, 11 Apr GRA (TW)

Tundra Swan 75, Conley Lk., 10-14 Mar U N I (JW,SF)

Wood Duck 1 pair, Wyeth Rd, 4 Apr HDR (PTS);


6, Wilkinson Ln., 8 May UNI (SF); 1 pair, Moro, 9 May SHE (PTS)

Eurasian Wigeon 1, Picture Gorge, Mar GRA (MJH); 1, Ochoco Res., 27 Mar CRO (RR); 1, Conley Lk, 16 Apr UNI (SF)

Blue-winged Teal 2, Wilkinson Ln., 6 May UNI (SF)

Canvasback 145, Summer Lk , 23 Mar LAK (RG); 1, Hatfield Lk, 17 Apr DES (DH); 2, Malheur NWR, 15 May HAR (AR)

TUFTED DUCK 1, Rowena, 25 Mar WAS (DR)

Greater Scaup A pair, Malheur NWR, 10 Apr & 31 May HAR (CM,JG,GL); 6, Wickiup Res., 10 Apr DES (DH,HH,JM)

Lesser Scaup 1 pair, Hells Canyon, 8 May WAL (MD,MLD)

White-winged Scoter 1, Prineville SP, 16 May CRO (CG)

Barrows Goldeneye 3, Enterprise Fish Hatchery, 14 Mar WAL (PTS); 4, Summer Lk, 21 Mar LAK (RG); 1 immatute, Waterman Flat, 8 May WHE (PTS)

Hooded Merganser 3, mouth of Deschutes R, 7 Mar WAS/ SHE (MN); pair, N of Burns, 11 Apr HAR (SS)

Red-breasted Merganser 1 female, Summer Lk. WMA, 8 May LAK (TJ,LF); 1 female, Borax Lk , Alvord Basin, 29 May HAR (GLJGJL)

Osprey 1, LaGrande, 9 Apr UNI (BCD); 2, Goodley Rd., 13 Apr UNI (SF); 2 nesting, E of Spray, 8 May WHE (PTS)

Bald Eagle Numbers, Grant co., Mar GRA (CEG,TW,CMO,MJH,TH,PSS); 3 adults, Conley Lk, 14 Mar UNI (SF); 2, Haystack Res., Lk. Billy Chinook, 28 Mar JEF (RR); 1, River Ranch, Summer Lk WMA, 19 May LAK (AR)

Sharp-shinned Hawk 1, Tollbridge CG, 30 May GRA

(MD,MLD)

Coopers Hawk 1, Ladd Marsh, 10 Mar UNI (JW); 1, S of Gurdane, 31 May UMA (JAS)

Northern Goshawk 1, W of Sisters, 20 May DES (AR); 1, Cold Camp Rd., 29 May WAS (JAS); 1 pair at nest, near Round Mt . , Umatilla NF, 31 May MOR QAS) Red-shouldered Hawk 2, Lonerock, 24 May GIL (JO)

Swainson's Hawk 1, EofThe Dalles, 13 Mar WAS (DB); 2, Hutchinson Ln., 13 Apr UNI (SF); 2 nesting, N of Kent, 9 May SHE (PTS); 1, Hwy 74,31 May MOR (JAS)

Harlan's Red-tailed Hawk 1, S of Benson Pond, Malheut NWR, 14 May HAR (AR)

Ferruginous Hawk 1, Pilot Rock, Mar UMA (TH); 2, Fort Rock, 6 Mar LAK (BQ); dark & light phase pair courting, E of Enterprise, 14 Mat WAL (PTS); 1, Barnes Butte Rd, 28 Mar CRO (DH,HH,JM); dark & light phase pair with 2 nestlings, near Vinson, 31 May UMA QAS); 1, Wells Spring, S of Boardman bombing range, 12 Apr MOR (MD)

Rough-legged Hawk 1, NW of Flora, 13 Mar WAL (PTS); 12, Sherman co., 19 Mar SHE (MLF); 1, W of Malheur NWR HQ, 25 Apr HAR (TJ,SR)

Golden Eagle

1, Gurdane Rd, 31 May UMA (JAS)

Merlin 1, Hatfield Lk., 11 Mar DES (DH,HH); 1, Booth Hill Rd., 4 Apr HDR (PTS); 1, Summer Lk. WMA, 9 May LAK (TJ,CM,LF) Peregrine Falcon 1, Dog Cr., E of John Day, 13 Mar GRA (CEG)

Prairie Falcon 1, E of Enterprise, 14 Mar WAL (PTS); 1, near Fly Lk, 28 Mar JEF (RR); 1, Cold Camp Rd., 29 May WAS (JAS); 2, Boardman bombing range, 12 Apr MOR (MD); 1, Moffitt Rd., Sand Spring, 17 May DES (AR); 1, Wright

Oregon Field Ornithologists Birding Weekends 2 OFO Birding Weekends for 2000 will be coordinated and principally guided by Paul Sullivan.They normally begin at dawn Saturday and end early Sunday afternoon, with Friday and Saturday nights based in the same city. Costs of lodging, transportation (car pooling), and food are up to the individual participants. Most of our travel is by private cars on public roads, with some walks on trails. We usually eat supper together on Saturday night and have a "countdown" of species seen. Registration is $ 15 per person (membership in OFO not required) per weekend (K-12 Student price $10), and is required by the Tuesday before the weekend you plan to attend. Participants are

sent a packet in advance of each weekend, suggesting lodging, meeting place, and other details. Local trip leaders provide recommendations on lodging and guidance to the birding sites and bird species of the area.The $ 15 fee is split between OFO and the trip leaders: $5 for OFO, and $10 for the leader, who bears the costs of advance preparations, as well as his/her own expenses on the trip. Events marked with asterisks (such as the spring and fall North American Migration Count, Christmas Bird Counts) are not OFO Birding Weekends and require separate registration. To participate, contact your local county coordinator.

8-9 January Willamette Valley waterfowl Look for raptors, waterfowl.and wintering passerines atTualatin anclWillametteValley refuges:Fern Hilljackson Bottom.Tualatin River NWR.and Basket Slough NWR.Trip leader will be Brian Wegener. Base:Tigard. 19- 21 February Skagit Valley This long President's Day weekend we will travel north to the Skagit Valley ofWashington to see raptors and waterfowl that gather there. Snowy Owls, Gyrfalcons, Peregrines, Bald Eagles, many swans and Snow Geese are possible. Leader for this trip will be Carole Hallett. Base: Mt.Vernon,WA 25-26 March Klamath Basin Check out the northbound waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors in the Klamath Basin, a prime place to see large numbers of Snow Geese, Ross' Geese, and the first American Avocets of the season. Base: Klamath Falls. 29-30 April Curry County Escape the cold of winter and look for the first spring migrants, as well as coastal species. Trip leader: Don Munson. Base: Gold Beach. 13 May Spring North American Migration Count * 20- 21 May Malheur NWR Look for spring migrants at this well-known hotspot in eastern Oregon. Base: Malheur Field Station. Last week of June Churchill, Manitoba We are discussing a week-long trip to this well-known birding destination. Details will be announced in coming issues of Oregon Birds. 22-23 July Crook County Visit Crook County reservoirs to look for migrant shore-birds, marsh birds, and waterfowl. Visit the forests forVeerys,

Pygmy Nuthatches, woodpeckers,and warblers.Trip leader will be Chuck Gates. Base: Prineville. 26-27 August Mouth of the Columbia River The south jetty of the Columbia River, Astoria, and Seaside all offer possible interesting shorebirds,seabirds,and migrant passerines. Base:Astoria. 16 September Fall N. American Migration Count * 23-24 September Malheur NWR Come enjoy the crisp air at Malheur N W R and look for fall migrants.This is a prime time of year for unusual vagrants. Leader for this trip will be Tim Janzen. Base: Malheur Field Station. 14-15 October Central Cascades We will search for the "most wanted" Boreal Owl , for Black-backed and Three-toed woodpeckers, as well as fall waterfowl at Crane Prairie,Wickiup Reservoir.and other lakes. Base: Bend 11-12 November Columbia River Check out the fall migrants on the Columbia River from above the John Day dam to Hood River.This is the time of year to hope for unusual loons, scoters, etc. Base: Arlington. 9-10 December Wallowa County We plan to search for winter species: Bohemian Waxwings, Snow Buntings, etc, and Gray Partridge, various raptors, and waterfowl, and enjoy the beauty of the Wallowas. Base: Enterprise. December Christmas Bird Counts * Don't miss out on this special annual birding event. (See Insert pages in this issue of Oregon Birds for more information.)

Send registrations to: Paul T. Sullivan, 4470 SW Murray Blvd. #26, Beaverton OR 97005 Questions? Call (503) 646-7889

Please make a separate copy of this form for each weekend you plan to attend.

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2. 1999 O

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Life

Baker Benton Clackam

as Clatsop Colum

bia Cos Crook Curry Dechutes Douglas Gilham

Grant Harney Hood River Jackson Jefferson Josephine Klam

ath Lake Lane Lincoln Linn M

alheur M

arion M

orrow M

ultnomah

Polk Sherm

an Tillam

ook Um

atilla Union W

allowa W

asco W

ashington W

heeler Yam

hill

Year 1998

1999 OREGO

N LISTIN

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REPORT FO

RM

RETURN BY

1 FEBR

UAR

Y 2000

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YOUR AD

DRESS

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LIST

Oregon Life List (threshold is 300)

1999 Oregon Year List (threshold is 250)

2. 1999 OR

EGO

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NTY

LISTS

Fill in the blanks in the next column to the right

Note:Threshold for County Life totals is 100, for County Year totals is 150.

3. Com

plete and return by

1 February 2000 Send com

pleted form to:

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Life

Baker Benton Clackam

as Clatsop Colum

bia Cos Crook Curry Dechutes Douglas Gilliam

Grant Harney Hood River Jackson Jefferson Josephine Klam

ath Lake Lane Lincoln Linn M

alheur M

arion M

orrow M

ultnomah

Polk Sherm

an Tillam

ook Um

atilla Union W

allowa W

asco Washington W

heeler Yam

hill

Year 1998

Oregon Christmas

Bird Counts 16 December 1999

- 3 January 2000

Paul T. Sullivan 4470 SW Murray #26 Beaverton, OR 97005

Friday, December 17 Baker County - Salisbury Laura Hayse, (541) 523-9254 (h & fax) Meet at the scale house on Hwy 7, 2 mi S of Baker City at 7:30 AM.

Saturday, December 18 Antelope PeteWeigel, (541) 489-3280 Meet at College & Maupin St., Antelope, OR, at 8 AM.

Bend Tom Crabtree, (541) 388-2462 [email protected] Meet at Pioneer Park in Bend at 7:30 AM.

Grants Pass Dennis P.Vroman, (541) 479-4619 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Hood River CBC David Anderson, (503) 251-5633 w, 772-0471 h; <[email protected]> Meet at the coffee shop: Inn at Hood River at 7:00 AM. (please call if planning to attend)

John Day Tom Winters, (541) 575-2570 day/message; <[email protected]> Meet at the Grubsteak Restaurant 149

E.MainJohn Day,OR at6:30AM (earlier for breakfast).

Klamath Falls CBC Kevin Spencer, (530) 667-4644 Contact the compiler. Countdown at Abby's, Campus Dr., KF at 5:00 PM.

Lower Owyhee Jon Sadowski, (541) 473-3144 Meet at Cairo School so. of Ontario, 7:30 AM.

Malheur NWR - P Ranch Cal and Alice Elshoff (541) 495-2322 Meet at The Elshoff's home at 7:00 AM East on Steens Mountain Loop Rd. from Frenchglen.turn right towards "Camper Corral," but follow the road west to the home at the end of the road.

Medford Joseph Shelton,(54l) 772-4490 Contact the compiler.

Roseburg Ron Maertz, (541) 496-3847 after 6 during the week. Contact the compiler. [email protected]

Salem Stuart Sparkman, (503) 585-8751 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Tillamook Bay Owen Schmidt (503) 282-9403 [email protected] Meet at Fern Restaurant 1000 N. Hwy. 101 .Tillamook before 7:00 AM. Breakfast buffet available at 6:30 AM.

Union County Bill Dowdy (541) 963-4768 Meet at the Range Science Lab, Gekler & C,LaGrande,at8AM.

Sunday, December 19

Columbia Estuary Mike Patterson, (503)325-1364 [email protected]

Coos Bay Tim Rodenkirk, (541) 269-4696 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Lyle, WA (includes The Dalles, Rowena and west to Mosier, OR) Bob Hansen (509) 365-2404 on Dec. 18t or email at <bhansen@teleportxom> before Dec. 16th. Contact the compiler.

Sauvie Island Karen Bachman (503) 289-3605 h, 802-2057 w [email protected] Meet at the island end of Sauvie Island bridge at 7 AM (please call if planning t o attend)

Silvies River (Bums) Duncan Evered,(54l) 493-2629 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Utopia Pete Weigel, (541) 489-3280 Contact the compiler.

Wallowa County Frank Conley, (541) 432-9685 [email protected] Meet atToma's restaurant in Enterprise between 6-7:15 AM.

Monday, December 20

Florence Paul Sherrell, (541) 344-7231 [email protected] Meet at the Safeway parking lot in Florence at 7:15 AM.

Santiam Pass Tim Shelmerdine, (503) 678-6326 [email protected] 12.or.us Contact the compiler.

Tuesday, December 21

Corvallis Trent Bray, (541) 752-8747 [email protected] Contact the compiler.

Illinois Valley Romain Cooper, (541) 592-2311 (h), 592-4459 (w) [email protected] Meet at the Junction Inn Cafe,CaveJunc-tion at 7AM. Contact the compiler.

Summer Lake Marty StLouis, (541) 943-3180 h, 943-3152 w, 943-3204 FAX [email protected] Meet at refuge headquarters at 7:30 AM.

Saturday, December 25

Sisters Stephen Shunk (541)549-8826 h, 549-9941 w;<3sisters@outlawnetcom> or <editor@ nuggetnews.com> Contact the compiler.

Sunday, December 26

Columbia Hills-Klickitat Valley (Area in Oregon includes John Day Dam and Rufus west to Biggs.) Stuart Johnston, (509)493-3363 <[email protected]> Contact the compiler.

Forest Grove Mary Anne Sohlstrom, (503) 463-9540 [email protected] Meet at Elmers Pancake House, 390 SW Adams, Hillsboro at 7:00 AM.

PortOrford Jim Rogers, (541) 332-2555 [email protected] Meet at the north side of Driftwood Elementary School, Hwy 101, PortOrford, 7:15 AM.

Monday, December 27

Airlie-Albany Paul Adamus, (541) 745-7092 <[email protected]> Contact the compiler.

Tuesday, December 28

Dallas Roy Gerig, (503) 378-7902 (messages) [email protected] Meet at Farrol's Restaurant, 620 S. Pacific Hwy 99, Rickreall, at 7 AM.

Wednesday, December 29

Wahkiakum Andrew Emlen, (360) 795-8009 h, 1-888-920-2777 w. Meet at The Logger Restaurant, Knappa, OR at 7:00 AM.

Thursday, December 30

Adel Craig Miller,(541) 389-9115 [email protected] Meet at the Adel Store at 7:30 AM.

Baker Valley Laura Hayse,(54l) 523-9254 (h & fax) Meet at the Sumpter Junction restaurant, Baker City, at 7:00AM.

Friday, December 31

Hart Mountain Marty Bray,(541) 947-3315 Meet at Plush at 7 AM.

Silverton Roger Freeman, (503) 873-3742 <[email protected]> Meet at Towne House Restaurant in Silverton at 6:45 AM.

Saturday, January 1

Coquille Valley Alan Contreras,(54l) 342-5750 <[email protected]> Contact the compiler.

Cowlitz-Columbia Robert Sudar, (360) 423-1780 [email protected] Contact the coordinator.

Umatilla County Kevin Blakely,(541) 276-5249 h,276-2344 w. Contact the compiler.

Sunday, January 2

Brownsville Jeff Harding, (541) 541-2613 [email protected] Meet at PioneerVilla (Hwy 228 & 1-5) at 7:00AM.

Eugene Herb Wisner, (541) 344-3634 [email protected] Contact the compiler. Countdown 5PM at Eugene Garden Club, 1645 High St., Eugene. Portland Robert Lockett, (503) 775-5303 <[email protected]> Contact the compiler.

Prineville Chuck Gates, (541)923-1320 [email protected] Meet at the Prineville McDonald's at 7:00 AM.

Yaquina Bay Rebecca Cheek, (541) 867-4699 [email protected] Meet 7:00 AM at the Apple Peddler Restaurant, 705 SW Coast Hwy, Newport

Pending Counts No date set Sodhouse - Malheur NWR — volunteer compiler needed

For the latest information, see the OFO web site, www.oregonbirds.org

Oregon Bird Records Committe Official Checklist of Oregon Birds Order GAVIIFORMES Family Gavi idae

Red-throated Loon. Gavia stellata Pacific Loon. Gaviapacifica Common Loon. Gavia immer

*Yeliow-billed loon. Gavia adamsii

Order PODICIPEDIFORMES Family Podicipedidae

Pied-billed Grebe. Podilymbus podiceps Horned Grebe. Podiceps auritus Red-necked Grebe. Podiceps grisegena Eared Grebe. Podiceps nigricollis Western Grebe. Aechmopborus occidentalis Clark's Grebe. Aechmopborus clarkii

Order PROCELLARIIFORMES Family Diomedeidae

Laysan Albatross. Phoebastriaimmutabilis Black-footed Albatross. Phoebastria nigripes

**Short-tailed Albatross. Phoebastria albatrus Family Procellariidae

Northern Fulmar. Fulmarus glacialis *Murphys Petrel. Pterodroma ultima * Mottled Petrel. Pterodroma inexpectata Pink-footed Shearwater. Puffinus creatopus Flesh-tooted Shearwater. Puffinus carneipes

______ Bulier's Shearwater. Puffinus bulleri Sooty Shearwater. Puffinusgriseus

•__ Short-tailed Shearwater. Puffinus temiirostris

**BIack-vented Shearwater. Puffinus opisthomelas

Family Hydrobatidae **Wilson's Storm-Petrel. Oceanites oceanicus

Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel. Oceanodroma furcata

_____ Leach's Storm-Petrel. Oceanodroma Uucorhoa

* Black Storm-Petrel. Oceanodroma melania Order PELECANIFORMES Family Pelecanidae

American White Pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Brown Pelican. Pelecanus occidentalis

Family Phalacrocoracidae Brandts Cormorant. Phalacrocorax penicillatus Double-crested Cormorant. Phalacrocorax auritus Pelagic Cormorant. Phalacrocoraxpelagicus

Family Fregatidae *Magnificent Frigatebird.

Fregata magnificens

Order CICONIIFORMES Family Ardeidae

American Bittern. Botauru lentiginosus Least Bittern. Ixobrychus exilis Great Blue Heron. Ardea herodias Great Egret. Ardea alba Snowy Egret. Egretta tbula *Little Blue Heron. Egretta caerulea *TrkoIored Heron. Egretta tricolor Cattle Egret. Bubulcus ibis

: Green Heron. Butorides virescens Black-crowned Night-Heron. Nycticorax nycticorax

Family Threskiornithidae Subfamily Threskiomitliinae _ _ White-faced Ibis. Plegadis chihi Family Cathartidae

. Turkey Vulture. Catbartes aura E*California Condor. Gymnogyps californianus

Order ANSERIFORMES Family Anatidae Subfamily Dendrocygninae

*Fu!vous Whistling-Duck. Dendrocygna bicolor

Subfamily Anserinae Greater White-fronted Goose. Anser albifrons Emperor Goose. Chen canagica Snow Goose. Chen caerukscens

Ross's Goose. Chen rossii Canada Goose. Branta canadensis

_____ Brant. Branta bernicla Trumpeter Swan. Cygnus buccinator Tundra Swan. Cygnus columbianus *Whooper Swan. Cygnus cygnus

Subfamily Anati nae Wood Duck. Aix sponsa

_______ Gadwall. Anas strepera . Eurasian Wigeon. Anaspenelope

Arrieriean Wigeon. Amis americana, *American Black Duck. Anas rubripes Mallard. Anas platyrhynchos Blue-winged Teal. Anas discors Cinnamon Teal. Anas cyanoptera Northern Shoveler. Anas clypeata Northern Pintail. Anas acuta *Garganey. Anas querquedula

_____ *Baikal Teal. Anasformosa , Green-winged Teal. Anas crecca

_____ Canvasback. Aythya valisineria _____ Redhead. Aythya americana

Ring-necked Duck. Aythya collaris *Tufted Duck. Aythya fuligula Greater Scaup. Aythya marila Lesser Scaup. Aythya affinis

*StelIer's Eider. Polysticta stelleri *King Eider. Somateria spectabilis

Harlequin Duck. Histrionicus histrionicus Surf Scoter. Melanitta perspicillata White-winged Scoter. Melanitta fusca

\k Scoter. Melanitta nigra Oldsquaw. Clangula hyemalis Buffiehead. Bucephala albeola Common Goldeneye. Bucephala clangula Barrow's Goldeneye. Bucephala islandica

* Smew. Mergellus albellus Hooded Merganser. Lophodytes cucullatus Common Merganser. Mergus merganser Red-breasted Merganser. Mergus serrator Ruddy Duck. Oxyura jamaicensis

Order FALCONIFORMES Family Accipitridae Subfamily Pandioninae

Osprey. Pandion haliaetus Subfamily Accipitrinae

White-tailed Kite. Elanus leucurus Bald Eagle. Haliaeetus eucocephalus Northern Harrier. Circus cyaneus Sharp-shinned Hawk. Accipiter striatus Coopers Hawk. Accipiter cooperii Northern Goshawk. Accipitergentilis Red-shouldered Hawk. Buteo lineatus

*Broad-winged Hawk. Buteoplatypterus Swainson's Hawk. Buteo swainsoni Red-tailed Hawk. Buteo jamaicensis

_____ Ferruginous Hawk. Buteo regalis Rough-legged Hawk. Buteo lagopus

' '"• Golden Eagle. Aquila chrysaetos

Family Falconidae Subfamily Falconinae

American Kestrel. Falco sparverius Merlin. Falco columbarius *Gyrfaicon. Falco rusticolus Peregrine Falcon. Falcoperegrinus Prairie Falcon. Falco mexicanus

Order GALLIFORMES Family Phasianidae Subfamily Phasianinae

I Chukar. Alectoris chukar _ I Gray Partridge. Perdix perdix

I Ring-necked Pheasant. Phasianus colchicus Subfamily Tetraoninae

Ruffed Grouse. Bonasa umbellus Sage Grouse. Centrocercus urophasianus Spruce Grouse. Falcipennis canadensis Blue Grouse. Dendragapus obscurus

;E*Sharp-tailed Grouse. Tympanuchus phasianetlus Subfamily Meleagridinae

I Wild Turkey. Meleagris gallopavo Family Odontophoridae

Mountain Quail. Oreortyxpictus

California Quail. Callipepla californica

__ I Northern Bobwhite. Colinus Virginianus

Order G R U I F O R M E S Family Railidae

Yellow Rail. Coturnicops noveboracensis Virginia Rail. Rallus limicola Sora. Porzana Carolina

* Common Moorhen. Gallinula chhropus American Coot. Fulica americana

Family G ru idae Subfamily Gruinae

Sandhill Crane. Grus canadensis Order C H A R A D R I I F O R M E S Family Charadriidae Subfamily Charadriinae

Black-bellied Plover. Pluvialis squatarola : American Golden-Plover.

Pluvialis dominica Pacific Golden-Plover. Pluvialis fulva

* Mongolian Plover. Charadrius mongolus Snowy Plover. Charadrius alexandrinus Semipalmated Plover. Charadrius semipalmatus

**Piping Plover. Charadrius melodus Killdeer. Charadrius vociferus

*Mountain Plover. Charadrius montanus Family Haematopodidae

Black Oystercatcher. Haematopus bachmani

Family Recurvirostridae Black-necked Stilt. Rimantopus mexicanus American Avocet. Recurvirostra americana

Family Scolopacidae Subfamily Scoiopacinae _____ Greater Yellowlegs. Tringamelanoleuca

Lesser Yellowlegs. Tringa flavipes *Spotted Redshank. Tringa erythropus Solitary Sandpiper. Tringa solitaria Willet.. Catoptrophorus semipalmatus Wandering Tattler. Heteroscelus incanus Spotted Sandpiper. Actitis macularia Upland Sandpiper. Bartramia longicauda Whimbrei. Numeniusphaeopus

**Bristle-thighed Curlew. Numenius tahitiensis Long-billed Curlew. Numenius americanus

*Hudsonian Godwit. Limosa haemastica Bar-tailed Godwit. Limosa lapponica Marbled Godwit. Limosa fedoa Ruddy Turnstone. Arenaria interpres Biack Turnstone. Arenaria melanocephala Surfbird. Aphriza virgata *Great Knot. Calidris tenuirostris

_____ Red Knot. Calidris canutus _____ Sanderling. Calidris alba

. Semipalmated Sandpiper. Calidris pusilla Western Sandpiper. Calidris mauri *Red-necked Stint. Calidris ruficollis *Little Stint. Calidris minuta *Long-toed Stint. Calidris subminuta Least Sandpiper. Calidris minutilla Baird's Sandpiper. Calidris bairdii Pectoral Sandpiper. Calidris melanotos Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Calidris acuminata Rock Sandpiper. Calidris ptilocnemis

. Dunlin. Calidris alpina *Curiew Sandpiper. Calidris ferruginea Stilt Sandpiper. Calidris himantopus Buff-breasted Sandpiper. Tryngites subruficollis

_____ Ruff. Philomachuspugnax Short-billed Dowitcher. Limnodromiis griseus Long-billed Dowitcher. Limnodromus scolopaceus Common Snipe. Gallinago gallinago

Subfamily Phalaropodinae Wilson's Phalarope. Phalaropus tricolor Red-necked Phalarope. Phalaropus lobatus Red Phalarope. Phalaropus fidicaria

L E G E N D * A review species. At least one

record verified by photograph, specimen, or video or sound recording—99 species.

** A review species. Sight records only, no verification—14 species.

E Extirpated. No modern records— California Condor and Sharp-tailed Grouse.

I Introduced species—8 species. 467 total species

Subfamily Stercorariinae South Polar Skua. Catharacta maccormicki Pomarine Jaeger. Stercorariuspomarinus Parasitic Jaeger. Stercorarius parasiticus Long-tailed Jaeger. Stercorarius hngicaudus

Subfamily Larinae ^Laughing Gull. Larus atricilla Franklin's Gull. Laruspipixcan

*LittIe Gull. Larus minutus *Black-headed Gull. Larus ridibundus Bonaparte's Gull, Larus Philadelphia Heermanns Gull. Larus heermanni Mew Gull. Larus canus Ring-billed Gull. Larus delawarensis California Gull. Larus californicus Herring Gull. Larus argentatus Thayer's Gull. Larus thayeri

* Slaty-backed Gull. Larus schistisagus Western Gull. Larus occidentalis Glaucous-winged Gull. Larus glaucescens Glaucous Gull. Larus hyperboreus

_____ Sabine's Gull. Xema sabini Black-legged Kittiwake. Rissa tridactyla

*Red-Iegged Kittiwake. Rissa brevirostris *Rosss Gull. Rhodostethia rosea

Subfamily Sterninae Caspian Tern. Sterna caspia Elegant Tern. Sterna ekgans

. Common Tern. Sterna birundo Arctic Tern. Sterna paradisaea

________ Forster s Tern. Sterna forsteri _____ *Least Tern. Sterna antillarum

Black Tern. Chlidonias niger Family Ak idae

Common Murre. Una aalge *Thick-biiled Murre. Una lomvia Pigeon Guillemot. Cepphus columba Marbled Murrelet. Brachyramphus marmoratus * Xantus's Murrelet. Synthliboramphus hypoleucus Ancient Murrelet. Synthliboramphus antiquus Cassin's Auklet. Ptychoramphusm aleuticus

*Parakeet Auklet. Aethia psittacula Rhinoceros Auklet. Cerorhinca monocerata Horned Puffin. Fratercula corniculata

'. . Tufted Puffin. Fratercula cirrbata

Order COLUMBIFORMES Family Columbidae

-__ I Rock Dove. Columba livid __ Band-tailed Pigeon. Columba fasciata

* White-winged Dove. Zenaida asiatica Mourning Dove. Zenaida macroura

Order CUCULIFORMES Family Cuculidae Subfamily Coccyzinae

^Yellow-billed Cuckoo. Coccyzus americanus

Order STRIGIFORMES Family Tytonidae

Barn Owl. Tyto alba Family Strigidae

Flammulated Owl. Otus flammeolus Western Screech-Owi. Otus kennicottii

______ Great Horned Owl. Bubo virginianus Snowy Owl. Nyctea scandiaca *Northern Hawk Owl. Surnia ulula Northern Pygmy-Owl. Glaucidium gnoma

Burrowing Owl. Athene cunicularia Spotted Owl. Strix occidentalis Barred Owl. Strix varia Great Gray Owl. Strix nebulosa Long-eared Owl. Asio otus Short-eared Owl. Asio fiammeus

*Boreal Owl. Aegolius funereus Northern Saw-whet Owl. Aegoliusacadicus

Order CAPRIMULGIFORMES Family Caprimulgidae Subfamily Chordeilinae

Common Nighthawk. Chordeiks minor Subfamily Caprimulginae

Common Poorwill. Phalaenoptilus nuttallii Order APODIFORMES Family Apod i dae Subfamily Cypseloidinae

Black Swift. Cypseloides niger Subfamily Chaeturinae

Vaux's Swift. Chaetura vauxi Subfamily Apodinae

White-throated Swift. Aeronautes saxatalis Family Trochilidae Subfamily Trochilinae

Black-chinned Hummingbird. Archilochus alexandri Annas Hummingbird. Calypte anna 'Costa's Hummingbird. Calypte costae Calliope Hummingbird. Steilula calliope Broad-tailed Hummingbird. Selasphorus platycercus Rufous Hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus Allen's Hummingbird. Selasphorus sasin

Order CORACIIFORMES Family Alcedinidae Subfamily Cervlinae

Belted Kingfisher. Ceryle alcyon Order PICIFORMES Family Picidae Subfamily Picinae

Lewis's Woodpecker. Melanerpes lewis • Acorn Woodpecker.

Melanerpes fbrmicivorus Williamson's Sapsucker. Sphyrapicus thyroideus

*Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. Splwapicus varius Red-naped Sapsucker. Sphyrapicus nuchalis Red-breasted S-tpsucker. Sphyrapicus ruber

'Nuttali's Woodpecker. Picoides nuttallii Downy Woodpecker. Picoidespuhescens Hairy Woodpecker. Picoides vilbsus White-beaded Woodpecker. Picoides albolarvatus Three-toed Woodpecker. Picoides tridactylus Black-backed Woodpecker. Picoides arcticus Northern Flicker. Colaptes auratus Pileated Woodpecker. Dryocopus pileatus

Order PASSERIFORMES Family Tyrannidae Subfamily Fluvicolinae

Olive-sided Flycatcher. Contopus cooperi Western Wood-Pewee. Contopussordidulus

""Eastern Wood-Pewee. Contopus virens Willow Flycatcher. Empidonax traillii

*Least Flycatcher. Empidonax minimus Hammonds Flycatcher. Empidonax harnmondii Gray Flycatcher. Empidonax wrightii Duskv Flycatcher. Empidonax oberholseri Pacific-slope Flycatcher. Empidonax diffcilis Cordilleran Flycatcher. Empidonax occidentalis Black Phoebe. Sayornis nigricans 'Eastern Phoebe. Sayornisphoebe Says Phoebe. Sayornis saya

_____ * Vermilion Flycatcher. Pyrocephalus rubinus Subfamily Tyranninae

Ash-throated Flycatcher.

Myiarchus cinerascens * Tropical Kingbird. Tyrannus melancholicus

Western Kingbird. Tyrannus verticalis Eastern Kingbird. Tyrannus tyrannus

* Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. Tyrannusforficatus Family Laniidae

Loggerhead Shrike. Lanius ludovicianas Northern Shrike. Lanius excubitor

Fam Uy Vireonidae "Bell's Vireo. Vireo bellii Cassins Vireo. Vireo cassinii Hutton's Vireo. Vireo Imttoni Warbling Vireo. Vireo gilvus Red-eyed Vireo. Vireo olivaceus

Family Corvidae Gray Jay. Perisoreus canadensis Stellers' Jay. Cyanocitta stelleri Blue Jay. Cyanocitta cristata Western Scrub-jay. Aphelocoma californica Pinycn Jay. Gymnorhinus cyanocephalus Clark's Nutcracker. Nucifiaga columbiana Black-billed Magpie. Pica pica American Crow. Corvus brackryrhynchos Common Raven. Corvus corax

Family Alaudidae Horned Lark. Eremophila alpestris

Family Hirundinidae Subfamily Hirundininae

Purple Martin. Progne subis Tree Swallow. Tachycineta bicolor Violet-green Swallow. Taclrycineta thalassina Northern Rough-winged Swallow. Stelgidopteryx serripennis Bank Swallow. Riparia riparia Cliff Swallow. Petrocbebdon pyrrhonota Barn Swallow. Hirundo rustica

Family Paridae Black-capped Chickadee. Poecile atricapillus Mountain Chickadee. Poecile gambeli Chestnut-backed Chickadee. t

Poecile rufescens Oak Titmouse. Baeolophus inornatus Juniper Titmouse. Baeolophus griseus

Family Aegithalidae Bushtit. Psaltriparus minimus

Family Si;tidae Subfamily Sittiiiae

Red-bteasted Nuthatch. Sitta canadensis White-breasted Nuthatch. Sitta caroltnensis Pygmy Nuthatch. Sittapygmaea

Family Certhiidae Subfamily Certhiinae Brown Creeper. Certhia americana

Family Troglodytidae Rock Wren. Salpinctes obsoletus' Canyon Wren. Catherpes mexicanus Bewicks' Wren. Thryomanes bewkkii House Wren. Troglodytes aedon Winter Wren. Troglodytes troglodytes Marsh Wren. Cistotboruspalustris

Family Cirtclidae American Dipper. Cinclus mexicanus

Family Reguiidae Golden-crowned Kinglet. Regulus satrapa Ruby-crowned Kinglet. Regulus calendula

Family Sylviidae Subfamily Polioptilinae

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher. Polioptila caerulea "Northern Wheatear. Oenanthe oenanthe Western Bluebird. Sialia mexicana Mountain Bluebird. Sialia currucoides Townsends" Solitaire. Myadestes townsendi Veery. Catharus fuscescens

* Gray-cheeked Thrush. Catharus minimus Swainsons' Thrush. Catharus ustulatus v Hermit Thrush. Catharus guttatus

_____ 'Wood Thrush. Hylocichla mustelina American Robin. 7urdus migratorius Varied Thrush. Ixoreus naevius

Family Timaliidae Wrentit. Chamaeafasciata

Family Mimidae

Gray Catbird. Dumetella carolincnsis . Northern Mockingbird. Mimuspolyglottos Sage Thrasher. Oreoscoptes montanus

'Brown Thrasher. Toxostoma rufum "California Thrasher. Toxostoma redivivum

Family Sturnidae .„ I European Starling. Sturnus vulgaris

Family Motacillidae 'Black-backed Wagtail. MotaciUa lugens American Pipit. Anthus rubesccns

Family Bombycillidae Bohemian Waxwing. Bombycilla garrulus Cedar Waxwing. Bombycilla cedrorum

Family Ptilogonatidae * Phainopepla. Phainopepla nitens

Family Panrfidac **Blue-winged Warbler. Vermivorapinus * Golden-winged Warbler.

Vermivora chrysoptera Tennessee Warbler. Vermivora peregriyui Orange-crowned Warbler. Vermivora celata Nashville Warbler. Vermivora ruficapilla 'Virginia's Warbler. Vermivora virginiae 'Lucys' Warbler. Vermivora luciae

______ 'Northern Paruia. Parula americana ______ Yellow Warbler. Dendroica petechia

'Chestnut-sided Warbler. Dendroica pensylvanica

. 'Magnolia Warbler. Dendroica magnolia Cape May Warbler. Dendroica tigrina Black-throated Blue Warbler. Dendroica caendescens Yellow-rumped Warbler. Dendroica coronata Black-rhroated Gray Warbler. Dendroica nigrescens ' Black-throated Green Warbler. Dendroica virens Townsends' Warbler. Dendroica towmendi Hermit Warbler. Dendroica occidentalis 'Blackburnian Warbler. Dendroica fusca 'Yellow-throated Warbler. Dendroica dominica

"Pine Warbler. Dendroica pinus 'Prairie Warbler. Dendroica discolor Palm Warbler. Dendroicapalmarum "Bay-breasted Warbler. Dendroica castanea

______ *BlackpoII Warbler. Dendroica striata Black-and-white Warbler. Mniotilta varia

_____ American Redstart. Setophaga ruticilla * Prothonotary Warbler. Protonotaria citrea "Worm-eating Warbler. Helmitberos vermivorus Ovenbird. Seiurus aurocapillus Northern Waterthrush. Seiurus noveboracensis * Kentucky Warbler. Oporornis formosus

"Mourning Warbler. Oporornis Philadelphia MacGillivray's Warbler. Oporornis tolmiei Common Yellowthroat. Geothlypis trichas

- Hooded Warbler. Wilsonia citrina , Wilson's Warbler. Wilsohiapusilla

'Canada Warbler. Wilsonia canadensis Yellow-breasted Chat. Lcteria virens

Family Thraupidae * Summer Tanager. Piranga rubra * Scarlet Tanager. Piranga olivacea

. Western Tanager. Piranga ludoviciana Family Emberizidae

Green-tailed Towhee. Pipilo chlorurus _____ Spotted Towhee. Pipilo maculatus

California Towhee. Pipilo crissalis . American Tree Sparrow. Spizelia arborea

Chapping Sparrow. Spizelia passerina Clay-colored Sparrow. Spizelia.pallida Brewer's Sparrow. Spizelia breweri

. 'Black-chinned Sparrow. Spizelia atrogidaris Vesper Sparrow. Pooecetes gramineus Lark Sparrow. Chondestes grammacus Black-throated Sparrow.

Amphispiza bilineata Sage Sparrow. Amphispiza belli 'Lark Bunting. Calamospiza melanocorys Savannah Sparrow. Passerculus sandwichensis Grasshopper Sparrow. Ammodramus savannarum *Le Conte's Sparrow. Ammodramus leconteii Fox Sparrow. Passerella iliaca Song Sparrow. Melospiza melodia Lincoln's Sparrow. Melospiza lincolnii

, Swamp Sparrow. Melospiza georgiana White-throated Sparrow. Zonotrichia albicollis Harris' Sparrow. Zonotrichia querula White-crowned Sparrow. Zonotrichia leucophrys Golden-crowned Sparrow. Zonotrichia atricapilla

_____ Dark-eyed junco.Junco Iryemalis __"McCown's Longspur. Calcarius mccownii _____ Lapland Longspur. Calcarius lapponicus _____ *Cbestnut-collared Longspur.

Calcarius ornatus * Rustic Bunting. Emberiza rustica Snow Bunting. Plectrophenax nivalis * McKay's Bunting. Plectrophenax byperboreus

Family Cardinalidae *Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Pheucticus ludovicianas Black-headed Grosbeak. Pheucticus melanocephalus * Blue Grosbeak. Guiraca caerulea Lazuli Bunting. Passerina amoena * Indigo Bunting. Passerina cyanea * Painted Bunting. Passerina ciris * Dickcissel. Spiza americana

Family Icteridae Bobolink. Dolichonyx oryzivorus Red-winged Blackbird. Agelaiusphoeniceus Tricolored Blackbird. Agelaius tricolor Western Meadowlark. Sturnella neglecta Yellow-headed Blackbird. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus 'Rusty Blackbird. Eupbagus carolinus Brewer's Blackbird. Euphaguscyanocephalus 'Common Grackle. Qitiscalus quiscula

, 'Great-tailed Grackle. Qiuscalus mexicanus Brown-headed Cowbird. Molotbrus ater 'Orchard Oriole. Icterus spurius 'Hooded Oriole. Icterus cucullatus 'Streak-backed Oriole. Icterus p ustulatus

* Baltimore Oriole. Icterus galhula Bullock's Oriole. Icterus bulbckii

"Scott s Oriole. Icterusparisorum Family Fringillidae Subfamily Fringillinae

'Brambling. Fringilla montifringilla Subfamily Carduelinae

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch. Leucosticte tephrocotis Black Rosy-Finch. Leucosticte atrata Pine Grosbeak. Pinicola enucleator Purple Finch. Carpodacuspurpureus Cassin's Finch. Carpodacus cassinii House Finch. Carpodacus mexicanus Red Crossbill. Loxia curvirostra

_____ White-winged Crossbill. Loxia leucoptera Common Redpoll. Carduelisflammea

"Hoary Redpoll. Carduelis hornemanni Pine Siskin. Carduelis pinus Lesser Goldfinch. Carduelispsaltria 'Lawrences Goldfinch. Carduelislawrencei

_____ American Goldfinch. Carduelis tristis Evening Grosbeak. Coccotbraustes vespertinus

Family Passeridae I House Sparrow. Passer domesticus


Rd., 18 May U N I (SF)

Chukar 2, Grande Ronde R., 13 Mar WAL (PTS); 6, Butte Cr., 8 May W H E (PTS); 1, Gurdane Rd., 31 May U M A (J AS)

Gray Partridge 3, E of Enterprise, 14 Mar WAL (PTS); 1+, Fox Valley, 17 Apr GRA (AFJUH,CK,CMO,PSS,JEW); 1 pair, Hunter Rd., 18 Apr U N I (JW); 1, E of Heppner, 15 May M O R (PTS); 1, Hwy 74, 23 May GIL (PTS)

Ruffed Grouse Drumming, N of Elgin, 15 Apr U N I (JW); 4 drumming, Wetmore, 9 May W H E (PTS); 2 drumming, SE of Long Creek, 16 May GRA (PTS); 1, N of Dale, 30 May U M A (JAS); 2 drumming, Umatilla NF, 30-31 May U M A GAS)

Sage Grouse 2, Brothers lek, 4 Apr DES (MC et al); 30, Mil l ican lek, 11-24 Apr DES (SR,STS,MG) ; 1, Alkali Lk. Area, 18 Apr LAK (JEH)

Blue Grouse 1, M t . Vernon, Apr - May GRA (AF); 1 female with 9 eggs, Dale, 30 May GRA ( M D , M L D )

Wild Turkey 120, N of Elgin, 5 Mar U N I (JW); 55, Lost Prairie, N W of Flora, 13 Mar WAL (PTS); 1+, Tyler Rd.,Bend, 25 Mar DES (DH); 1 +, Fox Valley, 28 Apr GRA (TH); 4, Bird Track Springs, W of LaGrande, 15 May U N I (SF et al)

Mountain Quail 4, Union Co. N A M C , 8 May U N I (fide JW); 1, Cottonwood Cr., 22 May W H E (PTS); 1, W of Wetmore, 23 May W H E (PTS)

Yellow Rail

None reported during the period.

Virginia Rail 7, Lower Bridge, 20 Mar DES (DH,HH, JM) ; 2+, Clarno, Cottonwood Cr., Hubbel Lk. , 8-15 May W H E (PTS); 1, Ladd Marsh, 11 May U N I (SF); 3, Gurdane Rd., 31 May U M A (JAS)

Sora 1, Cottonwood Cr., Hubble Lk., 8-15 May W H E (PTS); 1, Squawback Rd., N of Sisters, 12-20 May DES (AR); 2, Hatfield L k , 15 May DES (DH,DK)

Sandhill Crane 1+, John Day, 3 Mar GRA (CMO); 1-2 pair, Ladd Marsh, 7-12 Mar U N I (BCDJW); 34, mouth of Ladd Cr., Peach Rd.,23 Mar U N I (DAB); migrants, Spray, 11 Apr W H E (BS); 5, Burns, Malheur N W R , 13-15 May HAR (AR); 2 with colt, Paisley, 19 May LAK (AR)

Black-bellied Plover 2, White Lk., 4 Apr KLA (FM); 250, Township Rd., 18 Apr KLA (KS); 1, Big Summit Prairie, 16 May was a notable record for Crook County (CG)

Semipalmated Plover 1, Big Summit Prairie, 16 May CRO (CG); 9, Link Canal, Summer Lk. W M A , 19 May LAK (AR)

Black-necked Stilt 2, White Lk., 4 Apr KLA (KS,FM); 4, Boardman slough, 6 May M O R (MD); 1, Hatf ie ld Lk . , 23 May DES ( D H , H H )

American Avocet 185, White L k , 4 Apr KLA (KS.FM); several, Conley L k , 16 Apr U N I (SF); 1+, Baker City, 25 Apr BAK (CMO); 2, Hatfield Lk. , 10-23 May DES ( D H . H H ) ; numbers, Burns SP, 13 May HAR (AR); numbers, Summer L k , 18 May LAK (AR)

Greater Yellowlegs 8, White L k , 4 Apr KLA (KS,FM); several, Conley L k , 16 Apr U N I (SF); 1, Hatfield L k , 17 Apr DES (DH)

Lesser Yellowlegs 1, Airport Rd., 17 Apr U N I (SF); 1+, Fox Valley, 17 Apr GRA (AF,JUH,CK,CMO,PSS,JEW); 1+, Baker City, 25 Apr BAK (CMO); 1, mouth of Hood R., 7 May H D R (DR); 1, Summer L k , 8 May LAK (TJ et al)

Solitary Sandpiper 1, Hwy 31, N of Summer Lk., 8-9 May LAK (TJ,LF,CM)

Willet 1, Bear Valley, 18 Apr - May GRA (TH,PSS,TW); 25, Township Rd., 1

May KLA (KS); 1, Hatfield L k , 11 May DES (DH)

Spotted Sandpiper 1, Fossil SP, 29 May W H E (JAS)

Whimbrel 3-21, Township Rd., 16 Apr - 1 May KLA (KS,FM,RE); 2, near Merrill, 30 Apr KLA (KS)

Long-billed Curlew 1, Prairie City, 15 Mar GRA (TW); 1, Ochoco Res., 27 Mar CRO (RR) ; 1, Cove, 2 Apr U N I (JW); 17 pair, Boardman bombing range, 12 Apr M O R ( M D ) ; 1, Brooks Rd. , Summerville, 16 Apr U N I QT); 32-82,Township Rd., 16 Apr -1 May KLA (KS,FM,RE); 1+, Fox Valley, 17 Apr GRA (AF,JUH,CK,CMO,PSS,JEW); 2, S of Boardman, 15 May M O R (PTS); 7, E of Heppner, 15 May M O R (PTS)

Marbled Godwit 8, White L k , 4 Apr KLA (KS,FM); 1, Township Rd., 18 Apr KLA (KS); 1, Malheur NWR, 8 May H A R (DC)

Red Knot 1, near Merrill, 30 Apr KLA (KS); 1, mouth of Deschutes R., 8 May WAS/ SHE (DB); 3, Summer Lk. W M A , 8-9 May LAK (TJ,LF,CM); 1, White L k , 15 May KLA (KS,RE)

Semipalmated Sandpiper 1, Hatfield L k , 5 May DES (DH)

Western Sandpiper 1, Redmond SP, 18 Apr DES (DH,HH,JM,DK)

Least Sandpiper 3, Redmond SP, 18 Apr DES (DH,HH,JM,DK)

Baird's Sandpiper 1, Hatfield Lk., Bend, 1 May DES (DE et al)

Dunlin 60, White L k , 4 Apr KLA (KS.FM); 4500, Worden, 18 Apr KLA (KS)

Short-billed Dowitcher 17, near Merrill, 30 Apr KLA (KS); 31, Township Rd., 1 May KLA (KS)

Long-billed Dowitcher 6, White L k , 4 Apr KLA (KS,FM); 100, near Merrill, 30 Apr KLA (KS);



150, White Lk., 1 May KLA (KS); 1, Hatfield Lk., 5 May DES ( D H ) ; 1, Airport Rd., 10 May U N I (SF)

Wilson's Phalarope Several, Hatfield Lk. , 5 May DES (DH) ; 1, Airport Rd., 10 May U N I (SF); 1+, Bear Valley, 15 May GRA (TH,PSS); 6, Ukiah SP, 30 May U M A (JAS); 5 females, Austin, 30 May GRA ( M D , M L D )

LONG-TAILED JAEGER 1, Klamath Falls, 27 May KLA (DOL) Good details.

LITTLE GULL

1, Mann Lk., 22 Apr HAR (DUE)

Franklins Gull

Few, Burns, Malheur NWR, 13 May HAR(AR) Bonaparte's Gull Several, Hatfield Lk. , 5 May DES (DH) ; 12, mouth of Hood R., 25 May H D R (DR); 4, Ukiah SP, 30 May U M A (JAS)

Mew Gull 1, Howard Bay, Upper Klamath Lk., 11 Apr KLA (KS,FM,RE)

Western Gull 1 immature, mouth of Hood R., 4 Apr H D R (PTS)

Caspian Tern 10, mouth of Hood R., 25 May H D R (DR)

Forster's Tern 1, Wood River/Agency Lk., 16 Apr KLA(KS,FM,RE); 1, mouth of Hood R., 17 May H D R (DR)

YELLOW-BILLED CUCKOO 1, Sevenmile Rd., Malheur NWR, 31 May-1 Jun HAR (PTS,TJ,SD,TRet al)

Barn Owl 85 birds found on the Union Co. N A M C , 8 May, is the result of an aggressive nest box program sponsored by the Grande Ronde Bird Club (JW et al). Other sightings included 1,


Merwin Res., 27 Mar CRO (RR); 1 nesting, E of Spray, 8 May W H E (PTS); 1, headquarters, Malheur NWR, 29 May HAR (PTS)

Flammulated Owl 2, Cottonwood Cr., 21 May W H E (PTS); 2, USFS Rd. 5327, 28 May M O R ( M D , M L D ) ; 2, UmatillaNF, 30 May M O R (JAS)

Great Horned Owl 1 nesting, E of Bend, 4 Mar DES (DH) ; 2 nestlings, Dry Falls Canyon, Horse Ridge, 23 May DES ( D H , H H )

Northern Pygmy-Owl 2, Shevlin PL, Bend, 2 Mar DES (DH)

Burrowing Owl 1 pair, Ella, Immigrant Rd., 4 May M O R (MD)

Great Gray Owl 2, Quail Run golf course, 26 Mar DES (RR); nesting, Long Creek R.D., 18 May GRA (CK); 1 pair at nest, Bear W a l l o w ' C r . , 23 May U M A (MD,MLD,JKS); 2 nests with young, Spring Cr., 15 May U N I (SF et al)

Long-eared Owl 1 adult, 4 fledglings, Diamond, 30 May HAR (PTS et al)

Short-eared Owl 1, Ladd Marsh, 12 Mar U N I (JW); 1, Boardman bombing range, 12 Apr M O R (MD) ; several, Central Patrol Road, Malheur N W R , 14-16 May HAR(AR)

Common Nighthawk 1, Malheur N W R H Q , 22 May HAR (DB); 1, Middle Fk. John Day R., 24 May GRA (MD)

Common Poorwill 1, Cottonwood Cr., 21 May W H E (PTS)

Black Swift

2 migrants, Cecil, 6 May M O R (MD)

Vaux's Swift Many, John Day R, 6 May W H E (BS);

16, S Fk Walla Walla R., 16 May U M A (MD,MLD) ; 2 pair entering chimneys, Milton-Freewater, 16 May U M A ( M D , M L D )

White-throated Swift 10, Helix, 25Mar UMA (KK); 1, Roaring Springs ranch, 10 Apr HAR (MAS); several, Smith Rocks St.Pk, 11 Apr DES (SR); 1+, Goose Rock, John Day Fossil Beds, 7 May GRA (TW) ; 4, Philippi Canyon, 8 May GIL (CCJS); 2, Peter Skene Ogden Wayside, Hwy 97, 29 MayJEF (JAS)

Black-chinned Hummingbird 1, Grass Valley, 8 May SHE (DB); 1, Malheur N W R H Q , 28-29 May HAR (TJ, m. ob.); 2, Hwy 19 near Service Cr., 29 May W H E (JAS)

Anna's Hummingbird 1 female, Hwy 19 near Service Cr., 29 May W H E (JAS) Rare in Wheeler County.

COSTA'S HUMMINGBIRD 1 male, Bend, 28 Apr DES (DT)

Calliope Hummingbird 2, Moro , 8 May SHE ( D B ) ; 1, Squawback Rd., N of Sisters, 12-20 May DES (AR); 1 male, Milton cemetery, Milton-Freewater, 16 May U M A ( M D , M L D ) ; 2, Hwy 19 near Service Cr., 29 May W H E (JAS); 1, Frenchglen, 30 May HAR (PTS); 7, near Dale, 30 May GRA (JAS); 1, Blake Spring ranch, 31 May M O R (JAS)

Rufous Hummingbird 1, Ladd Marsh, 19 Apr U N I (JW)

Lewis's Woodpecker 1, Antone Rd., 8 May W H E (PTS); 1, Little Butter Cr., 15 May M O R (PTS); 2, Century Drive, 16 May DES (PTS); several, Malheur NWR, 14-16 May HAR (AR); 1, Tollbridge CG, 30 May GRA ( M D . M L D )

Williamson's Sapsucker 1, Entrada Lodge burn, 16 Mar DES ( D H , H H ) ; 1, Malheur NWR, 11 Apr


H A R (SS); pair, W of LaPine, 11 Apr DES (SR); 2, Spray, 11 Apr W H E (BS); 1 female, Malheur N W R H Q , 3 May H A R (TJ,DP et al); 3 nesting, Wetmore, 9 May W H E (PTS); 2 males, Bowman Cr., W of Ukiah, 23 May U M A (MD,MLDJKS) ; 2, Umatilla NF, 30-31 May MOR/UMA (JAS)

Red-naped Sapsucker 2, Umatilla NF, 30-31 May MOR/ U M A (JAS)

Red-breasted Sapsucker 1, Bend yard, 5 Mar DES (PM); 1, Rock Cr. Res., 25 May WAS (KA)

White-headed Woodpecker 4, Indian Ford CG, 20 May DES (AR)

Three-toed Woodpecker 2, W of LaPine, 27 Mar DES (RR)

Black-backed Woodpecker 2, W of Wickiup Jet., 26 Mar DES (JM,RR)

Pileated Woodpecker 2 nest building, SE of Long Creek, 16 May GRA (PTS); 1, Shelton Wayside, 29 May WHE (JAS); 3, Tribble Cr., W of Ukiah, 29 May MOR (MD.MLD)

Olive-sided Flycatcher 1, Sisters, 15 May DES (SS); 1, Bear Wal low Cr., 23 May U M A (MD.MLDJKS)

Wil low Flycatcher 1, Succor Cr., 2 May M A L (DAL); 1, N W of Albee, 31 May U M A (JAS)

Hammond's Flycatcher 1, Malheur N W R H Q , 15 May HAR (AR); 1 pair nesting, Dale, 30 May GRA ( M D , M L D )

Gray Flycatcher 1, Sisters, 2 May DES (SS); 1, An tone Rd., 8 May W H E (PTS); 1, Summer Lk., 19 May LAK (AR); several, Dry Falls Canyon, Horse Ridge, 23 May DES ( D H , H H ) ; pair, Umatilla NF, 31 May M O R (JAS)

Dusky Flycatcher 1, Umatilla NF, 31 May U M A (JAS)

Pacific-slope Flycatcher 1, Cottonwood Cr., S of Fossil, 29 May W H E (JAS)

Say's Phoebe 1, W of Mt . Vernon, 3 Mar GRA (PSS); 1, Hamilton, 17 Mar GRA (TW); 8, S Klamath Co., 9 Apr KLA (KS,FM,RE)

Ash-throated Flycatcher 1, near Haystack Res., 29 May JEF (JAS)

CASSIN'S KINGBIRD 1, along road to Malheur N W R H Q , 29-30 May H A R (RER,SE,SA) This sighting was by three California birders familiar with the species, but not aware of its rarity in Oregon. I f accepted by the OBRC, this would be the second state record for Oregon.

Western Kingbird 3, Ella, Immigrant Rd., 26 Apr MOR (MD); 1, Airport Rd., 30 Apr U N I (SF)

Eastern Kingbird 2-8, Malheur NWR, 22-30 May FIAR (DB,PTS,RF); 1, Ukiah, 30 May U M A (JAS); 1, Little Butter Cr., 31 May M O R (JAS); 1, Moon Cr., May GRA (MJH)

Loggerhead Shrike 1, Mil ton cemetery, Milton-Freewater, 16 May U M A ( M D , M L D ) ; 1, River Ranch, Summer Lk. W M A , 18 May LAK (AR); 1, near Haystack Res., 29 May JEF (JAS)

Northern Shrike 1, W ofWallowa, 14 Mar WAL (PTS); 1, Alfalfa Rd. , 24 Mar C R O ( D H , H H ) ; 1, near LaPine, 26 Mar DES (RR); 1, Kent, 26 Mar SHE (RG); 1, Paulina Hwy., 27 Mar CRO (RR); 1, Sisters, 29 Mar DES (SS); 1, Hines, 11 Apr HAR (SS)

Cassin's Vireo 1, N of Burns, 11 Apr HAR (SS); 2,

Tribble Cr., W o f Ukiah, 29 May M O R ( M D , M L D )

Blue Jay 1, Bend, 19 Mar DES (TC et al)

Western Scrub-Jay 1, E of Biggs, 12 May SHE (DF)

Pinyon Jay Several, E of Bend, 4 Mar DES (DH) ; 150, Bend, 8 Mar DES (DH) ; 2, Cabin Lake CG, 17 May LAK (AR)

Clark's Nutcracker 4, USFS Rd. 5327, 28 May M O R ( M D . M L D ) ; 60, 1998 burn in Umatilla NF, 30 May M O R (JAS)

Purple Martin Several, Hood River, 25 May H D R (DR)

Tree Swallow 1, Ladd Marsh, 21 Mar U N I (JW)

Violet-green Swallow Many, mouth of Deschutes R., 7 Mar WAS/SHE (MN)

Bank Swallow 1, W of Malheur N W R HQ,23-25 Apr H A R (DB,TJ,SR); 5, mouth o f Deschutes R., 8 May WAS/SHE (DB); several, John Day R., W of Spray, 29 May W H E (JAS)

Bushtit

1, Mt . Vernon, 23 Apr GRA (AF)

Canyon Wren 1, Lower Bridge, 20 Mar DES (DH,HH,JM); 1, Peter Skene Ogden Wayside, Hwy 97,29 May JEF QAS); 1, Cottonwood Cr., 29 May W H E (JAS) House Wren

1, Fossil, 16 May W H E (BS)

Winter Wren 1, Umatilla NF, 31 May M O R (JAS)

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1 nest, Frenchglen, 28-30 May HAR (HN,PTSetal)



Western Bluebird 4, Hermiston, 7 Mar U M A (CC); 12, N W of Flora, 13 Mar WAL (PTS)

Mountain Bluebird 2, Bend, 6 Mar DES (MLF); 100, FT. Rock, 6 Mar LAK (BQ); 7, N W of Flora, 13 Mar WAL (PTS); many, Crook co., 4 Apr CRO (MC); several nesting, Sand Spring, 12-17 May DES (AR)

Townsends Solitaire 1, Antone Rd., 8 May W H E (PTS)

Swainsoris Thrush 1, Pringle Falls burn, 20 Apr DES (DH.DK)

Hermit Thrush 5, Tribble Cr., W of Ukiah, 29 May M O R (MD,MLD)

Varied Thrush 2, LaGrande yard, 1 Mar - 8 Apr U N I (BCD); 1+, Canyon City, 11 Mar GRA (TW); 1, Sand Spring, 12 May DES (AR)

Gray Catbird 1 wintered, Keno, to March KLA (BF et al); 1, P Ranch, Malheur NWR, 30 May HAR (CG)

Sage Thrasher 1, Immigrant Lane, 15 Apr M O R (MD)

American Pipit 1 at feeder in snow, LaGrande, 9 Mar U N I (LBH); several, Tumalo Res., 13 Apr DES (DH); 28, LaPine, 25 Mar DES (CG)

Bohemian Waxwing 15, Bend yard, 7-9 Mar DES (PM,DH, m. ob.); 110, E of Wallowa, 14 Mar WAL (PTS)

Nashville Warbler Several, Malheur N W R H Q , 16 May HAR (AR); 1, Indian Ford CG, 20 May DES (AR); 2 on territory, Dale, 30 May GRA ( M D , M L D )

NORTHERN PARULA 1 singing male, Clyde Holliday St.Pk., 27-29 May GRA (CC,JS,PTS)

CHESTNUT-SIDED WARBLER 1, headquarters, Malheur NWR, 27-31 May HAR (TJ, m. ob.); 1, Malheur Field Station, 28-29 May HAR (TJ, m. ob.)

MAGNOLIA WARBLER 1, Malheur Field Station, 28 May HAR (DUE)

Yellow-rumped Warbler Heavy migration, E. Oregon, 8-16 May (HN)

Black-throated Gray Warbler Several, Dry Falls Canyon, Horse Ridge, 23 May DES ( D H , H H ) ; 1, Umatilla NF, 31 May M O R (JAS)

Townsends Warbler 1, Umatilla NF, 31 May M O R (JAS)

BLACKPOLL WARBLER 1, Frenchglen, 22 May HAR (DG); 1, Malheur NWR HQ, 30 May HAR (SW)

B L A C K - A N D - W H I T E WARBLER 1 female, Malheur N W R H Q , 27 May HAR (TJ,RJ, m. ob.); 1 male, Malheur N W R H Q , 28-29 May HAR (HN,TJ, m. ob.)

MacGillivray's Warbler 1, Cottonwood Cr., 29 May W H E (JAS)

CONNECTICUT WARBLER 1, Malheur NWR HQ, 16 May HAR (AR) Description sent to the OBRC. I f accepted, this would be a first state record.

Common Yellowthroat 1, Ladd Marsh, 14 May U N I (SF); 1, Rim Rock Springs, 29 May JEF (JAS); 1, Clarno, 29 May was a rare find in Wheeler County (JAS).

Wilson's Warbler Heavy migration, Bend & Sisters, 14-21 May DES (TC.SS)

Yellow-breasted Chat 1, Hwy 74, 23 May GIL (PTS)

Vesper Sparrow 1, Ladd Marsh, 18 Mar U N I (JW); 3, Sherman co., 19 Mar SHE (MLF); 1, Guiterrez Ranch, 27 Mar CRO (RR)

Lark Sparrow 9, Wheeler county, 8 May W H E

(PTS); 2, Immigrant Lane, 10 May M O R (MD) ; 2, Island City, 15 May U N I (SF et al)

Sage Sparrow 1, Four Mile Canyon, 11 May M O R ( M D ) ; some, Moff i t t Rd. to Sand Spring, 13 May DES (AR)

Savannah Sparrow 1, Millican, 6 Mar DES (MLF)

Grasshopper Sparrow /, Pine Grove, 8 May WAS (DL); 1, S of Boardman bombing range, 15 May M O R (PTS)

Fox Sparrow 1 in sage, E of Cecil, 6 May M O R (MD)

Lincoln's Sparrow 1, John Day, 9-25 Apr GRA ( C M Q L E H ) ; 1, Page Spring CG, Malheur NWR, 14 May HAR (AR); 6 on territory, Cottonwood Cr., 22 May W H E (PTS)

White-throated Sparrow 1, Mt . Vernon feeder, Mar - Apr GRA (AF); 1, Langell Valley, 8 May KLA (KS); 1, Sisters, 9 May DES (SS)

Harris's Sparrow 1, E of The Dalles, 29 Mar WAS (MP)

White-crowned Sparrow 30, Cecil, 6 May M O R (MD)

Snow Bunting

35, near Flora, 13 Mar WAL (PTS)

Lazuli Bunting 2, Sisters & Bend, 12-14 May DES (SS,TC) Bobolink 5 males, Ukiah, 28-31 May, were a significant Umatilla County find ( M D , M L D JAS). More expected were 8, Diamond, 30 May H A R (PTS)

Tricolored Blackbird 1 at a Mt . Vernon feeder in March was an unusual Grant County record (AF). Other records from more expected sites were 400, Powell Butte, 9 Mar CRO (JM); several, Alfalfa Rd., 24 Mar CRO

Continued on Inside Back Cover


FIELD NOTES: Western Oregon Spring 1999 Gerald Lillie, 329 SE Gilham, Portland OR 97215

The weather this spring played a major role in migrat ion. Throughout western Oregon, much of March and early April were as much as 10 degrees below normal. There was snow on the Willamette Valley floor in late March, and there was light snow at 1000 ft. in the Pordand area on 3 April. 8 April saw the freezing level drop to about 1000 ft. in the northern Willamette Valley. On 10 April, the Rogue Valley was about 9 degrees below normal. Below average temperatures continued through April and into May. During May, average temperatures were 5.8 degrees below normal in Pordand, 6.4 degrees below normal in Eugene, and 6.4 degrees below normal in Medford. There was snow on the Willamette Valley floor in early May. The cool climate delayed snow-melt in the mountains, where a record snow pack had accumulated with many sites reporting record snow depths.

Many species arrived at expected dates, but their numbers were small compared to the rest of their populations. Many of the land bird migrants were one to two weeks late. Very late snowmelt held up dispersal of mountain species once they arrived, by as much as three weeks. On 8 May, Gillson had none of the obvious forest birds (Mountain Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, etc.) at Lost Lake in the Cascades and on 11 June there was still 3-5 ft. of snow at Santiam Pass—no Fox Sparrows or Nashville Warblers, generally common by that date, were found. Lowland observers noted very large numbers of Western Tanagers. Two trends were very evident: one was the large number of montane species whose dispersal was delayed by the snow pack, and the other was the very large number of eastside species that invaded western Oregon, with unprecedented numbers of certain species.

The oil spill created by the grounding of the New Carissa off Coos Bay apparently caused some level of Snowy Plover mortality and necessitated more fre-

Yellow Warbler

quent beach surveys for dead birds. As of 10 March, 2 Horned Puffins, 2 Parakeet Auklets, 2 Ancient Murrelets, 13 Rhinoceros Auklets, 1 Short-tailed Shearwater, 1+ Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel and 1+ Leach's Storm-Petrel were found dead (BL, RL). Some of these may have been unrelated to the oil spill.

The other news relating to seabirds was a change away from El Nino oceanic conditions to more normal conditions. Sea temperatures were rather cold and winds were less than in the El Nino years.

Format The format used for each sighting is number of individuals, location, county, date and observer initials. Species listed in italics are those of special note to the area, whether county or region, for the season. Species listed in ALL CAPS are records for OBRC review species. Species in ALL CAPS and italics are potential first-state records.

Abbreviations B L M — Bureau of Land Management FRR — Fern Ridge Reservoir m. ob. — many observers N W R - National Wildlife Refuge OBRC — Oregon Birds Record Committee SJCR — South Jetty of the Columbia River

SP — Sewage Ponds

Pacific Loon Some northward movement was noted

as early as 20 March at SJCR, Clatsop (MP). Migration picked up in late April (m. ob.), and by 2 May more than 3000 passed by Heceta Head, Lane, in 30 minutes (RR). Heavy movements continued through late May (m. ob.).

Common Loon Higher than average numbers were reported from favored inland locations (m. ob.).

Photo by Steve Dowlan Horned Grebe Uncommon in interior valleys, 1

was at Dexter Reservoir, Lane, 14 March (JH, PH), 1 was at Foster Reservoir, Linn, 14 March (JH, PH), and 3 were at Fernhill Wetlands, Washington, 18 April (RK, MAS).

Red-necked Grebe 1 was at Charleston, Coos, 6-20 March (RR, PS). They were noted at Coos Bay, Coos, until 25 May, a fairly late date (DL, KC).

Eared Grebe Rare inland, 1 was in the new deep-water pond west of Stewart Pond, Lane, 9 March (AP) and was still present 9 May ( D H ) . Uncommon along the coast, 7 were at Simpson's Reef, Cape Arago, Coos, 20 March (PS), 1 was at Sally's Bend, Newport, Lincoln, 28 March (PS), 1 was at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, Lane, 2 April (DW) and 13 April (RF), and 1 was at Meares Lake, Tillamook, 1 May (TL).

Western Grebe By 11 April, numbers at FRR, Lane, a known breeding location, had built up to 96 (RR).

Clark's Grebe Unusual in winter west of the Cascades, 2 were at FRR, Lane, (m. ob.), and 1 was in Coos Bay, Coos, from the beginning of the period to 25 April (TR, DL , KC).

Laysan Albatross 1 was at the 600-fathom depth off Lincoln in mid-May (SK), and 1 was found


WESTERN OREGON FIELD NOTES

dead along the Thiel Creek beaches, Lincoln, in May (BL, et al).

Northern Fulmar Winter low numbers continued through the spring. 8 were seen on the pelagic trip out o f Newport, Lincoln, 20 March; none were seen 17 April or 22 May (GG).

Pink-footed Shearwater 1 off Depoe Bay, Lincoln, 20 March was early (GG).

Wedge-tailed Shearwater Photos of a partially decomposed bird found on the beach 26 March at Newport, Lincoln, (David Leal) wil l be examined by the OBRC. This would not only be Oregon's first record but the northernmost record for this species in the northeast Pacific. (See article on page 96 in this issue.)

Sooty Shearwater Numbers were low on pelagic trips (GG), but numbers o near shore in May were typical for spring, with several hundred seen off Cape Arago, Coos, 29 April (BP) and 100 off Coos Bay, Coos, 4 May (DL, KC).

Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel Small numbers were noted along the coast from late March to early May (m. ob.). From late April onwards, large numbers were seen from shore. On 4 May, PP estimates there were 300+ off-Boiler Bay, Lincoln. Since 1977, BL has been conducting beached bird surveys along the coast at Thiel Creek, Lincoln. During May, 29 were found dead, a very high number considering that during an entire year the total is usually 5 or less. Although May was cold and wet, it lacked strong storms with strong onshore winds which could have blown them close to shore. So perhaps environmental factors further at sea contributed to their being so close to shore in such large numbers with so many dead birds collected on the beaches. Another possibility, of course, is that ocean currents were such that they attracted more birds close to shore and also deposited greater numbers on the beach.

Leach's Storm-Petrel Even rarer near shore than Fork-tailed, 2 were at Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 7 May (PP).


4 were found dead in May along the Thiel Creek beaches (BL, et al). It is unusual to find any during the year (BL).

American White Pelican Rare in western Oregon and especially so along the coast, for the second consecutive year they appeared in good numbers. 2 were at FRR, Lane, during most of the season and would occasionally be seen in the Corvallis, Benton, area (m. ob.). 2 were at the Warrenton SP, Clatsop, 10 April (TT) and 1 was at Baskett Slough NWR, Polk, from 17 May to the end of the period (DP, et al).

Brown Pelican This species arrived later than the previous El Nino years. 2 were at Yaquina Head, Lincoln, 20 April (BLM) and they were noted along the entire length of the coast by mid-April (m. ob.). They were scarce, however, through the end of the period (DL, KC).

Great Egret Nesting was noted again this year at Pony Slough, Coos (TR) where they are recent breeders.

White-faced Ibis Rare in western Oregon, 12 were near Brookings, Curry, 17 May (DM) .

Emperor Goose 1 wintering bird in T i l l a m o o k , Tillamook, continued to 17 March (CR), and the resident Sandy River, Multnomah, bird was seen throughout the period (m. ob.).

Tundra Swan Winte r ing birds were mostly gone by late March (m. King Eider ob.).

Gadwall Much larger numbers wintered in the region than is typical. The largest numbers were seen in the southern Willamette Valley with 150 on the Delta Ponds, Lane, and 200 on Kirk Pond, Lane, in mid-March (DI). A pair was at the Hewlett Packard Ponds,

Benton, 20 May (JS) and 12 at Fernhill Wedands, Washington, lingered to the end of the period (HN) .

Eurasian Wigeon 6 were reported this spring, and 1 remained through the end of the period at Stewart Pond in West Eugene, Lane (DI).

Blue-winged Teal Many observers commented on the unusually high numbers that remained to the end of the period in appropriate habitat in the Willamette Valley.

Eurasian Green-winged Teal 1 was at the Pellet Plant on Sauvie Island, Multnomah, 5 March (GL), 1 was in the Scappoose Bottoms, Columbia, 7 March (RK), and 1 was near Lebanon, Linn, 24 March (BT, JH, PH).

Redhead Typical numbers were reported throughout the period, but quite a number lingered to near the end of the period (m. ob.). 15 were still at FRR, Lane, 15May(DI) .

T U F T E D D U C K A male was at the Warrenton SP, Clatsop, 11 March (MP, et al) and 3 April (TT).

Photo by Pete Lowe

K I N G E I D E R A female was at the South Jetty of Coos Bay, Coos, 29 April (BP, photos). This apparently is the latest spring sighting in Oregon.

Harlequin Duck A pair was found along Bryce Creek east of Cottage Grove, Lane, 5 May

WESTERN OREGON F I E L D NOTES

(fide T M ) , an area where they have not been reported from before.

Oldsquaw Higher than normal numbers were reported this spring. A total of 20+ birds were seen (m. ob.).

Barrow's Goldeneye A rare transient west of the Cascades, 1 was at Foster Reservoir, Linn, 14 March (JH, PH), a female was at the L.C.C. ponds near Eugene, Lane, 21-25 April (AP, T M , RR) and 1 was at Lost Lake, Linn, a breeding location, 23 May (JH, PH).

White-tailed Kite Numbers remain at record levels. At least 31 were reported (m. ob.), most notable being Curry's first nesting pair, 4 miles up the Rogue River from Gold Beach (CD). 5+ were at a roost site near FRR, Lane, in March (DI) , 7 were near White City, Jackson, 1 March (ES) and 5 were in the Illinois and Applegate Valleys, Josephine, 1 May (PS).

Red-shouldered Hawk A pair was along Perkins Rd. just south of FRR, Lane, 19 March (LM), suggesting local breeding. A bird that wintered west of Brownsville, Linn, was last reported 23 March (MNi) and 1 was near Powers, Coos, 9 May (DL, KC).

GYRFALCON 1 was near Brownsmead, Clatsop, through 6 April (MP, et al), and 1 was at Fernhill Wetlands, Washington, 10 March (HN).

Black-bellied Plover Migrants were noted from 4 Apri l through mid-May (m. ob.). The largest number reported was 200+ from Pony Slough, Coos, 18 April (TR).

American Golden-Plover Surprisingly, none were reported this spring.

Pacific Golden-Plover Rare in spring, these sightings were all the more unusual in light of the absence of American Golden-Plover reports. 9 at Cape Blanco, Coos, 27 April was the largest group seen, and there were 2 at Yaquina Bay, Lincoln, 13 May (EM, et al). A vagrant inland, 1 at Ankeny NWR, Marion, 25 May to the end of the period (JL, PS, et al) was a

surprise for its inland location and lateness.

Semipalmated Plover Slighdy late, with the first reports from mid-April (m. ob.). Main passage occurred in early May, as expected (m ob.).

Black-necked Stilt Rare west of the Cascades, several were seen this spring. 1 was at Finley NWR, Benton, 16-22 April (KM), 1 was at the Mollala SP, Clackamas, date unknown, (PM, LW), 1 was at Ankeny NWR, Marion, 28 May (SD), and 2 were there 29 April (MN) and 9 May (SD).

American Avocet Rare west of the Cascades. 1 was at Ankeny NWR, Marion, 29 April (MC, PV), 1 was at Florence, Lane, 30 April ( D D , et al), 1 was at Mohoff Pond, Ankeny N W R , Mar ion , 28 May (AMc), 1 was at Tillamook, Tillamook, 30 May (SR), and 1 was on the mudflats of the Nor th Fork of the Siuslaw River, Lane, 30 May (DD) .

Greater Yellowlegs Arrived during the expected mid -March migration window (m. ob.).

Lesser Yellowlegs Unusual in spring, many were reported from both interior valleys and the outer coast (m. ob.). A surprising 24 were at Seaside, Clatsop, 25 April (MP).

Solitary Sandpiper Numbers were above average with at least 15 reported (m. ob.).

Willet A rare transient in western Oregon. A probable wintering bird was at Pony Slough, Coos, 6 March (RR). It or another was there 19 and 20 April (TR, DL, KC), 1 was at Cape Blanco, Curry, 18 May (TW), and 1 was at Bandon Marsh NWR, Coos, 26 May (TR).

Upland Sandpiper Very rare west of the Cascades, possibly the second western Oregon record was a single bird at Cape Blanco, Curry, 22 May (TW, et al).

Whimbrel Arrived in mid-April (m ob.), about a week behind schedule. Over 1000 were in the Elk River meadows, Curry, 18 May (TW, D M ) , a large flock for this

region. It was a good year for this species, with flocks of up to 350 individuals reported the length of the coast from favored locations (m. ob.).

Long-billed Curlew A rare transient along the coast and very rare inland, 14+ were reported (m. ob.) with 4 of those being inland birds.

Marbled Godwit Unusual during spring migration, 24+ were reported from various coastal locations (m. ob.).

Ruddy Turnstone This species arrived during the expected late April window (m. ob.).

Black Turnstone Very rare inland, 1 was at Fernhill Wetlands, Washington, 25 April (HN) .

Red Knot Unusually large numbers were noted along the coast from late April to mid-March, their expected migration window (m. ob.). 15 was a fairly large flock at Nye Beach, Idaho Flats, Lincoln, 24 April (PS), and 14 were at the north spit of Coos Bay, Coos, 12 May (DL, KC).

Wilson's Phalarope Rare in western Oregon, 1 was near Brownsville, Linn, 8 May (GG), 2 were south of Goshen, Lane, 15 May (DI , AC), 7 were at Baskett Slough NWR, Polk, from 18 May to the end of the period (RG, RR), and 2 were at Mohoff Pond, Ankeny NWR, Marion, 28-29 May (AMc, MC) .

Parasitic Jaeger 4 were seen from Boiler Bay, Lincoln, 4 May (PP), 2 were there 25 May (PP), and 1 was there 29 May (TB).

Franklin's Gull Rare in western Oregon in any season, 1 was near Canby, Clackamas, 5 April (ES, DS), 1 was at Brookings, Curry, 29 April (DM) , and 2 were at Yaquina Bay, Lincoln, 23 May (DF).

Heermann's Gull This species was unreported, making quite a contrast to last spring.

Mew Gull Uncommon in the southern Willamette Valley, the series of storms in early March pushed over 1000 into



Lane Co. in late March (DI) .

Glaucous Gull 20+ were reported (m. ob.), above average for spring.

Black-legged Kittiwake For the second consecutive spring, numbers reported were high both on pelagic trips (GG, M H ) and along the coast (m. ob.). 100 seen from Cape Arago, Coos, was the high count seen from land (TR).

Sabine's Gull Migrants were noted from mid-March through the end of the period (m. ob.). 54 were seen from land, an unusually large number, with the most being 35 at Cape Meares, Tillamook, 1 May (TL, et al).

Common Tern Very rare inland in spring, 4 were at Baskett Slough NWR, Polk, 18 May (RG). 5 were at the SJCR, Clatsop, 15 May (MP) and 4 were seen out of Depoe Bay, Lincoln, 22 May (GG, MH) .

Arctic Tern 1 was at Yaquina Bay, Lincoln, 13 May (EM) and 5 were at the SJCR, Clatsop, 22 May (MP).

LEAST T E R N 1 at Fernhill Wetlands, Washington, 10 March (HN, photos) was astonishing for the early date, inland location, and rarity for the region. I f accepted by the OBRC, it would be Oregon's 6th record.

Black Tern First noted at FRR, Lane, 21 May (PSh), where they have nested in the past few years. They were noted from various Willamette Valley wetlands and sewage ponds from 17 May through the end of the period (m. ob.).

PARAKEET AUKLET 1 was found dead along the Thiel Creek beaches, Lincoln, 7 March (BL, RL), and 1 was found dead there 8 March (BL, RL).

Horned Puffin 2 were found dead along the Thiel Creek beaches, Lincoln, 8 March (BL, RL).

Burrowing Owl A wintering bird was present through 12 March near Salem, Marion, (SD).

Common Poorwill Rare in western Oregon and very rare along the coast, 1 was at New River, Coos, 26 May (TR) for Coos' second record. It breeds only 50 miles to the southeast, but vagrant records are few.

Black Swift Normally difficult to detect in migration, many were observed this spring both coastal and inland during May (m. ob.). Over 60 birds were noted singly and in flocks of up to 15.

Vaux's Swift An amazing 15000 coming to a chimney in Eugene, Lane, was a high count for the spring (DH) .

White-throated Swift Accidental west of the Cascades, 1 was observed on the Sandy River delta near Troutdale, Multnomah, 2 May (PO).

Black-chinned Hummingbird A vagrant in western Oregon, a female was observed over a several-day period in mid-May on M t . Tabor in Portland, Multnomah, (JB, H N ) .

COSTA'S H U M M I N G B I R D This species has become annual in small numbers in the Rogue Valley in recent years. 1 visited a feeder in Grant's Pass, Josephine, through much of the period (DV).

Calliope Hummingbird Field birders have come to realize that this species occurs in low but regular numbers in the Willamette Valley. Usually several are reported, but this year over 20 were reported from throughout the valley (m. ob.) from late April to late May.

Lewis's Woodpecker What once was a fairly common species in the Willamette Valley is now very infrequently reported. 1 was at a feeder on Mt . Scott, Clackamas, for several days beginning 2 April (TJ), and 1 was near Albany, Linn, 9 May (DH) .

Red-naped Sapsucker Very rare west of the Cascades, 1 was at Thornton Creek, Lincoln, 22 May (DF), for the third county record.

Olive-sided Flycatcher First noted 8 May at Perkins Park, FRR,

Lane, (AM, T M , E&EE), slightly late.

Western Wood-Pewee First noted 9 May at Finley N W R , Benton, (BC, TC), an expected date.

Wil low Flycatcher 1 at Applegate, Jackson, 28 April was at least one week early (DV).

Hammond's Flycatcher First noted 17 April at Skinner Butte in Eugene, Lane, (AM, T M , DW) , an expected date. Many observers commented, however, on the late and spotty numbers this spring. In many locations, the first birds of the year were seen 7 to 10 days later than normal (m. ob.).

Gray Flycatcher Rare but annual during spring migration, 2 were at Detroit Flats, Marion, 25 April and 21 May (RG, et al).

Dusky Flycatcher As birders become more proficient at deciphering the subtleties of identification of Empidonax flycatchers, it is being realized that this species is more common than previously thought during migration west of the Cascades. It is even being found nesting in appropriate habitat in the Coast Range. This spring 13+ were reported (m. ob.).

Pacific-slope Flycatcher First noted 23 April in Astoria, Clatsop, (MP), an expected date. This species, however, most typifies the delayed migration of the bulk of individuals of a particular species. Many observers did not note their first of the year until the first week of May, 2 to 3 WEEKS later than normal. There also did not seem to be many birds in appropriate breeding habitat by mid-May (m. ob.).

EASTERN PHOEBE 1 was found in the Coquille River valley, Coos, and was present for several days from early March until 20 March (DL, etal).

Black Phoebe A pair nested near Sutherlin, Douglas, for the first time and represents a range expansion (KW).



Say's Phoebe Unprecedented numbers appeared in western Oregon this spring. Usually there are from 1 to 3 in a typical spring, whereas 5 or 6 is exceptional. In 1995 there were 3; in 1996 there were 6; in 1997 there was 1; and in 1998 there were 3. This spring there were at least 31 reported (m. ob.). The first was seen in late February, and the peak was in March, coinciding with its normal arrival on the eastside. They were found mosdy along the southern coast, in the Willamette Valley, and in the Rogue Valley.

Ash-throated Flycatcher Again, unusually high numbers were reported away from the expected Rogue Valley locations. The first was in Grants Pass, Josephine, 30 April (DV), 1 was at Pony Slough, Coos, 15 May (TR), 1 was along the Winchuck River, Curry, 17 May (DM), 1 was at Flores Lake, Curry, 20 May (TR), and 1 was on the south side of Mt. Pisgah, Lane, 31 May (DW).

Western Kingbird This species also irrupted into the west side. The first was at Mt . Pisgah, Lane, 19 April (DD) . They were reported from many locations in the Willamette Valley from late April through the end of the period (m. ob.). Beginning 24 April , many began showing up at the Elk River meadows near Cape Blanco, Curry, (TW). At times there were up to 30 in early May! A possible breeding pair was along Ankeny Rd., Marion, 20 May (DI).

Eastern Kingbird Rare and local west of the Cascades, 1 was north of Waldport at Sandpiper Shores, Lincoln, 20 May (JGr), 1 was at the Elk River meadows, Curry, 30 May (TW), and 2 were on the Sandy River delta, Multnomah, 31 May (PO).

Northern Shrike Last reports were 1 at FRR, Lane, 10 April (KL) and 1 at the Siltcoos River, Lane, 16 April (RFr).

Cassin's Vireo First noted 11 Apri l at M t . Pisgah, Lane, (DD), an expected date. Most individuals, however, were about a week late (m. ob.).

Warbling Vireo First noted 18 Apr i l at M t . Tabor, Multnomah, (GL), an expected date. Like Cassin's Vireo, most individuals were about a week late (m. ob.).

Blue Jay A vagrant throughout Oregon and very rare in spring, 1 visited a feeder in N . Albany, Linn, for several days in mid-April (fide JL), 1 visited a feeder along Gimple Hi l l Rd., Lane, 23 May (fide SG), and 1 was in Logan, Clackamas, 25 May (TTr).

Clark's Nutcracker Unusual in western Oregon and especially so in the spring, 1 and possibly a second were near E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, Benton, 1 & 4 March and 5 April (JGi).

Purple Mart in First noted 11 April at Tenmile Lake, Coos, (JT), an expected date.

Tree Swallow Appeared to arrive at the expected date and were present in large numbers throughout the region by the first week of the period (m. ob.).

Violet-green Swallow First noted during the first week of the period (m. ob.) and were present in numbers at breeding locations by mid-March (m. ob.).

Northern Rough-winged Swallow Were present in late March, as expected (m. ob.).

Bank Swallow In Oregon, this species is primarily found east of the Cascades. Only one small colony was known for western Oregon, along the Chetco River in Curry Co. {Birds of Oregon, status and distribution, Gilligan, et al). Therefore, the discovery of a nesting colony at Nesika Beach, Curry, approx. 7 miles north of Gold Beach is noteworthy (NW). In early May, N W counted 21 definite or probable nest tunnels and about 24 birds. O n 22 May C D was able to obtain photos and counted approx. 80 birds.

Cl iff Swallow Arrived at the expected mid to late March window (m. ob.).

Barn Swallow Arrived in early Apri l , as expected (m. ob.).

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Many commented on the large numbers that lingered in the lowlands and speculated that the heavy snow pack in the mountains prevented this and other mountain species from returning to their breeding grounds in a timely manner. Last noted on Mt .Tabor , Multnomah, 17 May (GL).

Mountain Bluebird Rare in western Oregon away from the Siskiyou Mountains, where it is uncommon, 2 were found southeast of Mt . Pisgah, Lane, 25 March (DD) and 28 March (MNi) . They were last reported 8 April (DI , D D , DRo). 1 was at Pleasant Hi l l , Lane, 29 March (RR), and a pair were noted there 3 April (PS).

Townsends Solitaire This is another species that appeared in larger than normal numbers due to weather and snow conditions in the mountains (m. ob.). Many were reported in March from throughout the Willamette Valley, and up to 6 continued on Mt.Tabor, Multnomah, from early April to 19 May (GL, H N , et al).

Veery Very rare on the west coast in spring, a reddish, eastern race individual was found 13 May at Jerrys Flat, Curry, for Curry's first record (CD, AD) .

Hermit Thrush Early migrants arrived at expected early April dates (m. ob.), but the bulk of this species did not arrive until the later half of April. Large numbers remained in lowlands until near the end of the period (m. ob.). 20 were on Mt.Tabor, Multnomah, 18 May (GL) and were last noted there 25 May (GL).

Northern Mockingbird Rare in all seasons west of the Cascades, several were reported this spring. 1 was in Eugene, Lane 5 March (DMc), l was at E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, Benton, from the beginning of the period to 13 March (AMc, et al), 1 was in SW Port-Oregon Birds 25(4): 111, Winter 1999


land, Multnomah, 17 April (DBa), 1 was in Central Point, Jackson, 19 April (GR), 1 was at Pony Slough, Coos, 27 April and 19 and 21 May (TR, DL, KC), 1 was in Gresham, Multnomah, from 13 May to the end of the period (RS), 1 was at Hunter Creek, Curry, 18 May (GS), 1 was near the north spit of Coos Bay, Coos, 19 May (DL, KC), 1 was in Hillsboro, Washington, 20 May (AMe), 1 was at New River, Coos, 26 May (TR), 1 was near Cape Blanco, Curry, 30 May (TW), and 1 was at the Elk River meadows, Curry, 31 May (TW).

Sage Thrasher 2 at Detroit Flats, Marion, 21 May (KO) were not too surprising for that location, although good finds. They are rare elsewhere in western Oregon, however. 1 was on the outer coast at the Hatfield Marine Science Center, Newport, Lincoln, for several days beginning 26 April (DF, et al), 1 was in Oregon City, Clackamas, 9 May (NW), and 1 was near the north spit of Coos Bay, Coos, 19 May (DL, KC) for Coos' first county record.

PHAINOPEPLA A vagrant in Oregon, 1 was in a resident ia l area o f Grant's Pass, Josephine, for several days beginning 12 March (fide H N ) .

Tennessee Warbler Very rare in spring west of the Cascades, a female was at Mt. Pisgah, Lane 15 May (LB), and 1 was reported from a west Eugene wetland site, Lane, 22 May (RT).

Orange-crowned Warbler Arrived as expected in early March with the first noted 2 March between Jasper and Lowell, Lane, (BN). Peak numbers were seen during the expected mid-April window (m. ob.). A surprising 125 were on Skinner Butte, Lane, 18 Apri l (DI).

Nashville Warbler First noted 16 April on Skinner Butte, Lane, (AP), an expected date. A late bird was at New River, Coos, 19 May (TR).

Yellow Warbler First noted 2 May in Applegate, Jackson, (DV), slighdy behind schedule.

Western Tanager First noted in Applegate, Jackson, 20 April (DV), an expected date. This spe

cies put on a show in western Oregon lowlands that observers had never seen before. Numbers were unprecedented. At times there were up to 50+ birds on M t . Tabor, Multnomah, (GL, et al) and many remained to near the end of the period.

Yellow Warble;

Yellow-rumped Warbler Many commented on the unusually large numbers from mid-April through mid-May. Many remained to the end of the period due to the heavy snow-pack that prevented them from returning to their nesting grounds.

Black-throated Gray Warbler Arrived late with the first noted 16 April near Cottage Grove, Lane, (DLo, HLo).

Hermit Warbler An early migrant was in Eugene, Lane, 4 April (AM, TM). Many were noted, however, in late April, as expected (m. ob.).

Palm Warbler Very rare in spring along the coast and a vagrant inland, 1 was in Coos Bay, Coos, 9 March (TR), and 1 was near Lebanon, 8 May (RKr).

Ovenbird A vagrant in Oregon, 1 was at Cascade Head, Lincoln, 24 May (PP).

Wilson's Warbler First noted 18 April in Eugene, Lane, (AM, T M ) , as expected. Very large numbers were noted throughout western Oregon lowlands through mid-May (m. ob.), again a result of the snow pack in the mountains.

Yellow-breasted Chat 1 was in Coos Bay, Coos, 14 May (TR), further north along the outer coast than is typical.

Steve Dowlan Chipping Sparrow First noted 14 April in

Merlin, Josephine, (DV), slightly late. A rare migrant along the outer coast, 1 was at Flores Lake, Curry, 13 May (DL, KC).

Clay-colored Sparrow Rare in western Oregon in spring, 1 was in Brookings, Curry, 24 March (DM), and another/same bird was there 31 May (DM). 1 was at Thornton Creek, Lincoln, from 9 April to 6 May (DF).

Brewer's Sparrow 1 was at Detroit Flats, Marion, where it is annual, 30 March (SD), a very early date. Normal arrival dates are in early April . A vagrant in the rest of western Oregon, 1 was in Bandon, Coos, 23 May (SM).

Lark Sparrow 1 was at Sutherlin, Douglas, 26 April (KW) where it is a rare and local summer resident. Very rare along the outer coast, 1 was along the Salmon River near Cascade Head, Lincoln, 24 May (PP).

Black-throated Sparrow A vagrant in western Oregon, 1 visited a feeder in Yachats, Lincoln, from 24 May through the end of the period (LH, et al), 1 was on Government Island, Multnomah, 17 May (DE), and 1 was at Mt . Pisgah, Lane, 29 May (PSh).

Sage Sparrow 1 was at Detroit Flats, Marion, March (SD).

26



LARK B U N T I N G A vagrant in Oregon, 1 was near the Medford Airport, Jackson, from 27 April to 4 May (DK, et al).

Grasshopper Sparrow 1 was found along Gemphill Rd., Lane, 26 May (RKe), a new location for this rare Lane Co. species. Another was found on the east side of FRR, Lane, 30 May (AM, T M ) at a previously known breeding site. 1 was also found in the Denman Wildlife Area, Jackson, 29 April (NB).

RED FOX SPARROW 1 was at Detroit Flats, Marion, 18 April (SD).

Swamp Sparrow Probable wintering birds were at N . Bank Rd., Coquille Valley, Coos, 6 March (PS), E.E. Wilson Wildlife Area, Benton, 9 March (JGi, et al) and Millicoma Marsh, Coos, 21 March (PS, TR). An unusual spring migrant was at Detroit Flats, Marion, 8 May (SD).

Golden-crowned Sparrow Many observers commented on the large numbers that remained in the lowlands until the end of the period.

Harris's Sparrow Rare but annual, 1 was near Halsey, Linn, from the beginning of the period to 8 April (MNi , et al), 1 was in N E Portland, Multnomah, through 24 April (JC), and 1 was in a Eugene, Lane, yard wi th other sparrows 10 May (MM) .

Lapland Longspur Rare in spring along the coast, 1 was at the north spit of Coos Bay, Coos, 13 Apr i l (DL , KC) , 2 were at SJCR, Clatsop, 16 April (TT), 1 was there 25 April (TT), and 1 was at the south jetty ofYaquinaBay, Lincoln, 18 April (DF). 2 at the south jetty of the Siuslaw River, Lane, 15 May (DI , AC) were very late.

ROSE-BREASTED GROSBEAK A regular vagrant to Oregon, a male was at Hunter Creek, Curry, 18 May (GS, photos), and a male was in Eagle

Point, Jackson, 17 May (VC).

Western Meadowlark 4 at the end of Royal Ave., FRR, Lane, 17 Apri l (DI) was a very low peak count. D I indicates that local birders are lamenting the apparent drastic decline of local populations.

Yellow-headed Blackbird A local and uncommon summer resident in western Oregon, the most reports in recent years were received this spring. 15 were at FRR, Lane, 11 April (RR), 1 was near Lebanon, Linn, 24 April (JH), 1 was out of place at Detroit Flats, Marion, 25 April (RG, et al), 1 was in nor th Portland, Multnomah, 28 April (TG), "several" were at Breidwell Marsh near Amity, Yamhill, (fide H N ) , and "several" were back at their breeding marsh on Sauvie Island, Multnomah 8 May (RK). A coastal vagrant, 1 was at Pony Slough, Coos, 7 May (TR), another was north of Gearhart, Clatsop, 8 May (SH), 1 was near Milwaukie, Clackamas, 10 May (RRu), they were noted at Baskett Slough NWR, Polk, 15 May (MAS), a female was near Sutherlin, Douglas, 19 May (KW), 4 were at Fernhill Wetlands, Washington, through the end of the period (JG, GL et al) and are possibly nesting, and a coastal vagrant was at the north spit of Coos Bay, Coos, 23 May (TR).

Pine Siskin Fair numbers were reported during the last half of the period from many lowland locations (m. ob.), and a small number remained to the end of the period at Mt . Tabor, Multnomah (GL).

Evening Grosbeaks Large flocks were reported from mid-May to the end of the period from many locations in the Willamette Valley ( H N , DI,eta l ) .

Thanks to sub-regional editors Range Bayer (Lincoln), Colin Dillingham (Curry), Tom Mickel (Lane) and Harry Nehls (w OR).

Observers: JB Jimbo Beckman, LB Luke Block, NB Norm Barrett, TB Trent Bray, DBa Dan Barber, AC Alan Contreras, BC Barb Combs, JC Jan Cornelius, KC Kathy Castelein, M C Marcia Cutler, T C Traci Clemens, V C Viv ian Christensen, A D Angela Dillingham, C D Co l in Di l l ingham, D D Don D e W i t t , SD Steve Dowlan , D E Duncan Evered, E&EE Elsie & Elzy Eltzroth, DF Darrel Faxon, RF Reid Freeman, RFr Roger Freeman, GG Greg Gillson, RG Roy Gerig, SG Steve Gordan, T G Tom Glenn, JGi Joel Geier, JGr J i l l Glover, D H Dan Heyerly, JH Jeff Harding, L H Louise Hemphi l l , M H Mat t Hunter, PH Patricia Harding, SH Sherry Hagen, D I David Irons, TJ T im Janzen, D K Doug Kirkpatrick, RK Ray Korpi, SK Steve Kupillas, RKr Rick Krabbe, D L David Lauten, G L Gerard Lillie, JL John Lundsten, K L Ki t Larsen, T L Tom Love, DLo Don Lown, HLo Hydie Lown, A M Allison Mickel, D M Don Munson, E M EdMcVicker, K M Kathy Merrifield, L M Larry McQueen, M M Marcia Maffei, PM Pat Muller, SM Sean McAllister, T M Tom Mickel, A M c A l McGie , D M c D i c k McCutchen, AMe Anthony Mendoza, B N Bruce Newhouse, H N Harry Nehls, M N Mike Nomina, M N i Mark Nikas, K O K i m Owen, PO Paul Osburn, MP Mike Patterson, AP A l Prigge, BP Bob Pease, DP D o n Pederson, PP Phil Pickering, GR Gwyneth Ragosine, RR Roger Robb, T R T i m Rodenkirk, RRu Ronnie Rumbaugh, DS Dale Shank, ES Elmer Specht, GS Glen Sevey, JS Jamie Simmons, M A S Mary Anne Sohlstrom, PS Paul Sullivan, RS Ray Spalding, ESe E. Setterberg, PSh Paul Sherrell, BT Bill Thackaberry, JT Jack Thomas, RT Roy Titus, T T Todd Thornton, TTr Troy Tracy, D V Dennis Vroman, PV Paula Vanderheul, D W Davey Wendt, K W Katherine Wilson, LW Linda Weiland, N W Nathaniel Wander, T W Terry Wahl.


Continued from page 95

PROFILE: VJERA ARNOLD, T E E N BIRDER AND OFO BOARD MEMBER

July, I got to go to Arizona to meet and bird wi th nine other teens there, all because we are on the same 'net list, Teen BirdChat. A local homeschooler connected me because she's interested in birds, and I've gotten to take her out several times -the advantage of having a license! It's very cool birding with kids your age, I think, because there are so many teens that don't understand why you bird, and to be wi th someone who does understand, and is just as crazy as you. I 'm excited about the Tropicbird team for that reason, too.

I've gotten to do other stuff, too — I competed in Youth BirdQuest, I've written a couple of articles for "A Birds Eye View," ABA's newsletter for and by students, and now I 'm on the Tropicbird team! Meeting people is still the most enjoyable part, more so now that I've met over 20 youth birders.

OB: How were you selected for the ABA Tropicbird team?

Vjera: ABA invited any youth birders that wanted to be on the team to apply. I had to write an essay describing why I thought I would be an asset to the team. They must have liked my essay, because I 'm on the team!

OB: So, tell me about the trip.

Vjera: It was fun! We got 170 birds, which is more than we thought we could get.

OB: Wow, that's fabulous! What was your favorite species?

Vjera: Probably the Warblers. We had one grove of trees where we saw Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Blackpoll, Chestnut-sided Warbler, and Oven-Bird, all in the same grove of trees. It was cool! Plus, like all of those, except for the Nashville, were new birds for me.


OB: So was that your favorite "birding moment" for the trip?

Vjera: Well, sort of, but it was right in the middle of a bunch of cow farms, so it was not very pleasant there, except for the birds! But it was pretty cool.

O B : I t k i n d o f goes along w i t h clearcuts and sewage ponds and all the other strange places that we end up going birding!

Vjera: I'd rather go to a sewage pond than a cow farm.

OB: So how many did you add to your life list?

Vjera: I think about 15.1 haven't had time to sit down and actually write all my notes up and stuff, but it's pretty good. I didn't think I could get that many. The only way I could've is i f a whole bunch of Eastern stuff showed up, like in that grove.


and sparrows dur ing the winter months. O n one trip to the coast with a prominent Oregon birder I suggested we check the area for passerines. He was of the opinion that the area had little potential and he didn't even want to stop. At my insistence we did and after about 15 minutes found a Swamp Sparrow that responded to my Western Screech-Owl imitations. The following fall I found an immature Canada Warbler (second Oregon record) in the same area. O f course there were dozens of trips before that first Swamp Sparrow where my only reward was a nice array of common birds to look through. Before and since I have always made an effort to

OB: So how many are on your life list now?

Vjera: 375. I t helps that I went to Arizona this summer, I added 60 life birds.

O B : What are your future plans?

Vjera: I don't know yet. I've got another year in high school, and after that I ' l l probably go to college. I have no idea after that. Get married??? I'd love to do some bird banding or something similar, but I don't think I 'm going to follow that as a career. I'm Christian, so I may go into something related to that, and i f I 'm lucky, that wi l l take me to different places and I ' l l see different birds! Birding is very enjoyable as a hobby for me, and I don't know i f I want i t to be my career, too.

(We'll be watching, Vjera. See you in the field!) fW

keep going back to areas wi th 'oasis' characteristics once I find concentrations of birds.

Hopefully this article provides some ideas that wi l l lead you to some exciting finds. These ideas are certainly not all my own. They reflect years of discussions of this subject with birders too numerous to mention. M y understanding of the oasis effect came about initially from discussions with Jeff Gilligan, Tom Lund and David Fix during my initial years of serious birding. Fix contr ibuted greatly to this effort wi th both anecdotal information and in the end w i th a critical review of an early draft. t >

FINDING T H E OASIS


EASTERN FIELD NOTES

| D H , H H ) ; up to 140, Barnes Butte Res., Prineville, 4 Apr - 8 May C R O (MC,CG); 2, Wamic, 8 May WAS (DL); 6, Clarno, 9 May WAS (PTS)

Yellow-headed Blackbird 1, Rim Rock Springs, 29 May JEF OAS); 1, Ukiah SP, 30 May U M A (JAS)

COMMON GRACKLE 1, LaGrande, 1-6 May U N I (JH); 1, Fields, 21 May H A R (M)

GREAT-TAILED GRACKLE 1-3, Fields, 14-30 May H A R (M,JG,GL); 1, Malheur N W R H Q , 29-30 May H A R (TJ,BG, m. ob.)

Brown-headed Cowbird 1, Sisters, 28 Apr DES (SS); 1, Wasco co., 8 May WAS (DL)

BALTIMORE ORIOLE 1, Malheur NWR, P Ranch, 29-31 May HAR (GL,JG,PTS); 1 immature female, M t . Vernon & John Day, 5-14 May GRA (GNE,AF,CMO ,CEG,TH)

Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch Flock, near Mt . Bachelor, 17 Apr - 11 May DES (SK et al); 1-10, Hamacker Mt . , 1-14 May KLA (DO,FM,KS)

Purple Finch 1, John Day, Canyon City, Mar - Apr GRA (TH,MJH); 2, Bend yard, 17 Apr DES (DH,PM); 2, Sisters, 29 Apr DES (SS); some, Summer Lk. W M A H Q , 19 May LAK (AR)

Announcements

Malheur Wildlife Associates will work to enhance and restore habitat for the diversity of fish and wildlife found in the Refuge and related systems,improve the educational experience of visitors to the Refuge

Cassin's Finch 1, Sisters, 16 Mar DES (SS); 1, Cold Camp Rd., 29 May WAS (JAS)

Red Crossbill Flock, Sisters, 13 Mar DES (SS); 14, Tribble Cr., W o f Ukiah, 29 May M O R ( M D , M L D )

Pine Siskin

Several, Sisters, 14 Mar DES (SS

Lesser Goldfinch 1, Page Spring CG, Malheur NWR, 14 May HAR (AR) Evening Grosbeak Many, Burns, 10 Apr H A R (SS)

Observers: KA Ken Aldridge, SA Skip Augur, DB Dave Bailey, JLB Jennifer & Lance Baker, D A B Dave Bronson, D C Dave Copeland, CC Craig Corder, TC Tom Crabtree, M C Marcia Cutler, M L D Merry Lynn Denny, M D Mike Denny, BCD Bill & Chris Dowdy, SD Steve Dowlan, RE Ray Ekstrom, GNE Gene & Nadine Emery, SE Steve Emmons, DE Dave Eshbaugh, D U E Duncan Evered, DF Darrel Faxon, SF Scott Findholt, LF LeRoy Fish, BF Brent Frazier, RF Reid Freeman, AF Ann Frost, CEG Cecil Gagnon, CG Chuck Gates, RG Roy Gerig, JG Jeff Gilligan, M G Mark Goddard, BG Barb Griffin,

and advocate for greater responsibility on the part of the public and our elected officials. Work parties are planned to plant native vegetation in the Blitzen River system, construct trails and overlooks and

D G Donald Gutcher, D H Dean Hale. JEH Jeff Harding, L E H Lee & Eva Harris, JH Joe Hart, J U H Judy Hallisey, MJH Mary Jo Higgins, H H Howard Horvath, L B H Loren & Bern- Hughes. T H Tom Hunt, RJ Rachel Janzen, TJ Tim Janzen, D K Diane Kook. SK Steve Kornfeld, C K Cindy Kranich. KK Karen Kronner, MLF Margaret LaFaive. D A L Dave Lawrence. D O L Dous Lave. GL Gerard Lillie, JL Jerrv Lear. DL Donna Lusthoff, M Maitreva. F M Frank Mayer, PM Patty Meehan. JM Judy Meredith, C M Craig Mille: H Harry Nehls, M N Mike Nomina. D O Dale Oberlag, C M O Clarence & Marilyn O'Leary, JO Jim Olson. MP Mike Patten, DP Darlene Philpott. BP Bill Preble, B Q Brian Quinn. AR A b n Reid, RER Richard E. Redmond, Sc. RR Roger Robb, D R David Roll. TR Tim Rodenkirk, SR Skip Russell. BS Brian Sharp, JKS Jeff & Kim Shelton, SS Srevt Shunk, JAS Jamie Simmons, MAS Marv Anne Sohlstrom, STS Stuart Sparkman. KS Kevin Spencer, JS Judy Stevens. PTS Paul T. Sullivan, PSS Pat & Sharon Sweeney, D T Dave Tracy, JT Jennie Tucker, T V Tom Vandenburg, JW Jim Ward, JEW Jean Wood, T W Tom Winters, SW Sheran Wright.

remove old barbed wire fencing that has become a hazard to wildlife. Individual memberships are $ 10; family, $20; donor, $50; and corporate, $200. For information on becoming a member, contact Alice Elshoff, board chairman, Steens Mtn Rd, Frenchmen, OR 97736, phone 541 495-2322, [email protected]

3s

MALHEUR WILDLIFE ASSOCIATES A new non-profit group has been formed to support the goals and purposes of Malheur National WilcUife Refuge.

Don't miss these on the Insert! • Listing Submission Form • Christmas Bird Counts • OFO Bookcase Offerings • Membership Form • OFO Checklist

Oregon Birds Oregon Field Ornithologists PO Box 10373 Eugene OR 97440

NON-PROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID

EUGENE OR PERMIT 679

Forwarding and Return Postage Guaranteed Address Correction Requested

Dennis P. tfroaan 269 Shetland Dr. Grants Pass OR 975K

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